System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/690,860, filed on Mar. 9, 2022, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADIGITALLY BEAMFORMED PHASED ARRAY FEED, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/679,817, filed on Feb. 24, 2022, andentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DIGITALLY BEAMFORMED PHASED ARRAYFEED”, which claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/200,260, filed on Feb. 24, 2021, and entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR A DIGITALLY BEAMFORMED PHASED ARRAY FEED”, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/679,817, filed on Feb. 24, 2022, andentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DIGITALLY BEAMFORMED PHASED ARRAYFEED” also claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/188,959, filed on May 14, 2021, and entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR A DIGITALLY BEAMFORMED PHASED ARRAY FEED”, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/679,817 also claims the benefit andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/262,124, filed onOct. 5, 2021, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DIGITALLY BEAMFORMEDPHASED ARRAY FEED”, the entire contents of which are incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for adigitally beamformed phased array feed. In embodiments, the digitallybeamformed phased array feed may be used in conjunction with a parabolicreflector. In embodiments, the present invention generally relates tosystems and methods for a large form-factor phased array utilizing aplurality of multi-band software defined antenna array tiles.

BACKGROUND

Satellite communications are made between communications satellites andparabolic reflector antennas of ground stations on Earth. Mosttraditional satellite communications require satellites to maintaingeostationary orbit 22,236 miles above the equator so that the parabolicreflector antennas can be aimed permanently at that spot and theparabolic surfaces and/or reflectors do not have to move in order totrack the flight object. In this existing system, wherever the parabolicreflector antenna is mechanically pointing is where the antenna beam ispointing and therefore the target flight object must be located withinthe beam in order for the antenna to track or communicate with theobject.

The current state of satellite communication has a number of problems.For example, existing parabolic reflector antennas are fitted for singleband signals and because of traditional beamforming techniques, aparabolic reflector antenna may only communicate with one flight objectat a time. The existing state of the art is a static technology, whereone antenna is designed specifically for one reflector. Further, theapplication of existing satellite antennas fixed to moving objects suchas ships and fast-moving aircraft remains difficult due to thesignificant design challenges involved in stabilizing the reflector suchthat the antenna beam remains fixed on the desired target.

It would therefore be beneficial to implement a digital beamformingtechnique which includes digital sampling and processing of antennaelement data to steer the direction of the antenna beam to allow forsimultaneous tracking of multiple flight objects with a single antennaarray. It would be further beneficial to permit rapid configuration andmulti-band operations from a single antenna array.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is the object of the present disclosure toprovide a technological solution to address the long felt need andtechnological challenges faced in conventional satellite communicationsystems in which traditional antennas are designed for receiving andtransmitting single band signals to and from one flight object at time.The present disclosure provides for a system of a digitally beamformedphased array feed that allows for receiving and transmitting signalswithin multiple bandwidths for multiple flight objects simultaneously.

In embodiments, a method for digital beamforming may include: (a)receiving, by a first coupled dipole array antenna element of aplurality coupled dipole array antenna elements of a multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile, a plurality of respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of respective radio frequencies, whereineach coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of coupleddipole array antenna elements includes a respective principalpolarization component oriented in a first direction and a respectiveorthogonal polarization component oriented in a second direction; (b)receiving, by a first principal polarization frequency converter of afirst pair of frequency converters of a plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, from afirst principal polarization component of the first coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements, respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of respective radiofrequencies, wherein each pair of frequency converters of the pluralityof pairs frequency converters is operatively connected to a respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element, and wherein each pair of frequencyconverters of the plurality of pairs frequency converters includes arespective principal polarization converter corresponding to arespective principal polarization component and a respective orthogonalpolarization converter corresponding to a respective orthogonalpolarization component; (c) converting, by the first principalpolarization frequency converter of the first pair of frequencyconverters, the respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies intorespective second modulated signals having a first intermediatefrequency; (d) receiving, by a first digital beamformer of a pluralityof digital beamformers of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, from the first principal polarization frequency converter, therespective second modulated signals associated with the firstintermediate frequency, wherein the plurality of digital beamformers areoperatively connected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters,and wherein each digital beamformer is operatively connected to one ofthe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter; (e) converting,by the first digital beamformer, the respective second modulated signalfrom an analog signal to a digital data format; (f) generating, by thefirst digital beamformer, a first plurality of channels of first digitaldata by decimating the first digital data using a first polyphasechannelizer and filtering using a first plurality of cascaded halfbandfilters; (g) selecting, by the first digital beamformer, a first channelof the first plurality of channels; (h) applying, by the first digitalbeamformer, a first weighting factor to the first digital dataassociated with the first channel to generate a first intermediatepartial beamformed data stream; (i) combining, by the first digitalbeamformer, the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream withthe plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a first partial beamformed data stream; (j) applying, by thefirst digital beamformer, a first oscillating signal to the firstpartial beamformed data stream to generate a first oscillating partialbeamformed data stream; (k) applying, by the first digital beamformer, afirst three-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformeddata stream; (l) applying, by the first digital beamformer, a first timedelay to the first filtered partial beamformed data stream to generate afirst partial beam; and (m) transmitting, by the first digitalbeamformer via a data transport bus to a digital software systeminterface, the first partial beam of a first beam, which is transmittedvia the data transport bus along with a first set of a plurality ofother partial beams of the first beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes, prior to step (a), thesteps of: reflecting, from a surface of a parabolic reflector mounted ona support pedestal, the plurality of respective modulated signals andtransmitting the reflected plurality of respective modulated signalsthrough a radome to the first coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare tightly coupled relative to the wavelength of operation.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes thermoelectric coolers configured to actively manage thermallythe system noise temperature and increase the system gain overtemperature.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherinclude a plurality of spatially distributed high power amplifiers so asto increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 900 MHz and 6000 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 2000 MHz and 12000MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 10000 MHZ and 50000MHz.

In embodiments, the method further includes converting, by the firstdigital beamformer the respective modulated signal from an analog signalto a digital data format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, the method further includes selecting, by the firstdigital beamformer, the first channel of the first plurality of channelsusing a first multiplexer.

In embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the firstdigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the first partial beam of the first beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a second set of aplurality of other partial beams of a second beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes, after step (a): (n)receiving, by a first orthogonal polarization frequency converter of thefirst pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, from a first orthogonal polarization component of the firstcoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of coupled dipolearray antenna elements, respective third modulated signals associatedwith the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of respectiveradio frequencies; (o) converting, by the first orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter of the first pair of frequency converters, therespective third modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies into respective fourthmodulated signals having the first intermediate frequency; (p)receiving, by a second digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, fromthe first orthogonal polarization frequency converter of the first pairof frequency converters, the respective fourth modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency; (q) converting, by thesecond digital beamformer, the respective fourth modulated signal froman analog signal to a digital data format; (r) generating, by the seconddigital beamformer, a second plurality of channels of second digitaldata by decimating the second digital data using a second polyphasechannelizer and filtering using a second plurality of cascaded halfbandfilters; (s) selecting, by the second digital beamformer, a secondchannel of the second plurality of channels; (t) applying, by the seconddigital beamformer, a second weighting factor to the second digital dataassociated with the second channel to generate a second intermediatepartial beamformed data stream; (u) combining, by the second digitalbeamformer, the second intermediate partial beamformed data stream withthe plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a second partial beamformed data stream; (v) applying, by thesecond digital beamformer, a second oscillating signal to the secondpartial beamformed data stream to generate a second oscillating partialbeamformed data stream; (w) applying, by the second digital beamformer,a second three-stage halfband filter to the second oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a second filtered partial beamformeddata stream; (x) applying, by the second digital beamformer, a secondtime delay to the second filtered partial beamformed data stream togenerate a second partial beam; and (y) transmitting, by the seconddigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the second partial beam of the first beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a third set of aplurality of other partial beams of the first beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes converting, by the seconddigital beamformer, the respective modulated signal from an analogsignal to a digital data format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, the method further includes selecting, by the seconddigital beamformer, the second channel of the second plurality ofchannels using a second multiplexer.

In embodiments, the second oscillating signal is the same as the firstoscillating signal.

In embodiments, the second channel is the same as the first channel.

In embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the seconddigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the second partial beam of the second beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a fourth set of aplurality of other partial beams of the second beam.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency is associated with arespective mission center radio frequency.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via a system controller by memory of the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile, for the respective coupled dipolearray antenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements, the respective mission center radio frequency;(b) storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller,the respective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter, the respectivemission center frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency is a respectivemission intermediate frequency corresponding to the respective missioncenter radio frequency and is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving,from the digital software system interface via the system controller bymemory of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequency forthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by memory of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b)storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller, therespective channel selection for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c) transporting,from the memory to the respective digital beamformer, the respectivechannel selection for the respective principal polarization componentand the respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe respective mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor is part of an array ofweighting factors obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by memory ofthe multi-band software defined antenna array tile, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective digital beamformer, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*e^{{- j}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal is associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by memory of the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile, for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of respective coupled dipole array antenna elements, therespective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

In embodiments, a method may include (a) receiving, from a digitalsoftware system interface via a system controller by memory of amulti-band software defined antenna array tile, for a respective coupleddipole array antenna element of a plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile: i. a respective mission center radio frequency; ii. a respectivemission intermediate frequency, wherein each coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements includes a respective principal polarization component orientedin a first direction and a respective orthogonal polarization componentoriented in a second direction; (b) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by the memory of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile, for a respectiveprincipal polarization component and a respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements: i. a respective channel selection; ii. a respective weightingfactor as part of an array of weighting factors; iii. a respectiveoscillating signal frequency; (c) storing, by the memory operativelyconnected to the system controller: i. a respective channel selection;ii. the respective mission intermediate frequency for the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element; iii. the respective channelselection for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element; iv. each respective weighting factor ofthe array of weighting factors for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements; and v. the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; (d) transporting, from thememory to a respective principal polarization frequency converter and arespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter: i. therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole array antenna element; ii. the respective mission intermediatefrequency for the respective coupled dipole array antenna element,wherein the respective principal polarization frequency converter andthe respective orthogonal polarization frequency converter are a part ofa respective pair of frequency converters of a plurality of pairs offrequency converters of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, wherein each pair of frequency converters of the plurality ofpairs frequency converters is operatively connected to a respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element, and wherein each pair of frequencyconverters of the plurality of pairs frequency converters includes therespective principal polarization converter corresponding to arespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization converter corresponding to a respectiveorthogonal polarization component; (e) transporting, from the memory toa respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digital beamformers:i. the respective channel selection for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array element; ii. eachrespective weighting factor of the array of weighting factors for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements; iii. the respective oscillating signal frequency forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayelement, wherein the plurality of digital beamformers are operativelyconnected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters, and whereineach digital beamformer is operatively connected to one of therespective principal polarization frequency converter and the respectiveorthogonal polarization frequency converter; (f) receiving, by a firstcoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality coupled dipolearray antenna elements of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, a plurality of respective modulated signals associated with aplurality of respective radio frequencies, wherein the plurality ofrespective radio frequencies is associated with the respective missioncenter radio frequency, (g) receiving, by a first principal polarizationfrequency converter of a first pair of frequency converters of theplurality of pairs of frequency converters of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile, from a first principal polarizationcomponent of the first coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements, respective firstmodulated signals associated with the respective radio frequencies ofthe plurality of respective radio frequencies, (h) converting, by thefirst principal polarization frequency converter of the first pair offrequency converters, the respective first modulated signals associatedwith the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radiofrequencies into respective second modulated signals having a firstintermediate frequency, wherein the first intermediate frequency isassociated with the respective mission intermediate frequency; (i)receiving, by a first digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, fromthe first principal polarization frequency converter, the respectivesecond modulated signals associated with the first intermediatefrequency, (j) converting, by the first digital beamformer, therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format; (k) generating, by the first digital beamformer, a firstplurality of channels of first digital data by decimating the firstdigital data using a first polyphase channelizer and filtering using afirst plurality of cascaded halfband filters; (l) selecting, by thefirst digital beamformer, a first channel of the first plurality ofchannels, wherein the first channel is associated with the respectivechannel selection; (m) applying, by the first digital beamformer, afirst weighting factor to the first digital data associated with thefirst channel to generate a first intermediate partial beamformed datastream, wherein the first weighting factor is associated with the arrayof weighting factors; (n) combining, by the first digital beamformer,the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream with the pluralityof other intermediate partial beamformed data streams to generate afirst partial beamformed data stream; (o) applying, by the first digitalbeamformer, a first oscillating signal to the first partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first oscillating partial beamformed datastream, wherein the first oscillating signal is associated with therespective oscillating signal frequency; (p) applying, by the firstdigital beamformer, a first three-stage halfband filter to the firstoscillating partial beamformed data stream to generate a first filteredpartial beamformed data stream; (q) applying, by the first digitalbeamformer, a first time delay to the first filtered partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first partial beam; and (r) transmitting, bythe first digital beamformer via a data transport bus to a digitalsoftware system interface, the first partial beam of a first beam, whichis transmitted via the data transport bus along with a first set of aplurality of other partial beams of the first beam.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) receiving, by a first digitalbeamformer of a plurality of digital beamformers of a multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile, a first partial beam of a firstbeam of a plurality of beams along with a first set of the plurality ofother partial beams of the first beam from a digital software systeminterface via a data transport bus, (b) applying, by the first digitalbeamformer, a first weighting factor to first transmit digital dataassociated with the first partial beam of the first beam of theplurality of beams; (c) transmitting, by the first digital beamformer,the first transmit digital data to a first digital to analog converter;(d) converting, using the first digital to analog converter, the firsttransmit digital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having afirst intermediate frequency; (e) receiving, by a first principalpolarization frequency converter of a first pair of frequency convertersof a plurality of pairs of frequency converters of the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile, respective first modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency from the first digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers, wherein each pair offrequency converters of the plurality of pairs frequency convertersincludes a respective principal polarization converter corresponding toa respective principal polarization component and a respectiveorthogonal polarization converter corresponding to a respectiveorthogonal polarization component, wherein the plurality of digitalbeamformers are operatively connected to the plurality of pairs offrequency converters, and wherein each digital beamformer is operativelyconnected to one of the respective principal polarization frequencyconverter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter; (f) converting, by the first principal polarization frequencyconverter of the first pair of frequency converters, the respectivefirst modulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequencyinto respective second modulated signals associated with a respectiveradio frequency; (g) transmitting, from the first principal polarizationfrequency converter of the first pair of frequency converters, therespective second modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequency to a respective coupled dipole array antenna element of aplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements, wherein each pair offrequency converters of the plurality of pairs frequency converters isoperatively connected to a respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements, andwherein each coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofcoupled dipole array antenna elements includes a respective principalpolarization component oriented in a first direction and a respectiveorthogonal polarization component oriented in a second direction; and(h) transmitting, by the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, the respective second modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequency.

In embodiments, the transmitting step h) includes the steps oftransmitting the respective second modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequency through a radome and reflecting therespective second modulated signals from the surface of a parabolicreflector mounted on a support pedestal.

In embodiments, the method may further include, after step (a): (i)receiving, by a second digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers of a multi-band software defined antenna array tile, asecond partial beam of the first beam of the plurality of beams alongwith a second set of the plurality of other partial beams of the firstbeam from the digital software system interface via the data transportbus, (j) applying, by the second digital beamformer, a second weightingfactor to second transmit digital data associated with the secondpartial beam of the first beam of the plurality of beams; (k)transmitting, by the second digital beamformer, the second transmitdigital data to a second digital to analog converter; (l) converting,using the second digital to analog converter, the second transmitdigital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having the firstintermediate frequency; (m) receiving, by a first orthogonalpolarization frequency converter of the first pair of frequencyconverters of the plurality of pairs of frequency converters of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile, respective thirdmodulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequency fromthe second digital beamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers,(n) converting, by the first orthogonal polarization frequency converterof the first pair of frequency converters, the respective thirdmodulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequency intorespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequency; (o) transmitting, from the first orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter of the first pair of frequency converters, therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequency to the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; and (p)transmitting, by the respective coupled dipole array antenna element,the respective fourth modulated signals associated with the respectiveradio frequency.

In embodiments, a multi-band software defined antenna array tile mayinclude: (a) a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements,wherein each coupled dipole array antenna element includes a principalpolarization component oriented in a first direction and an orthogonalpolarization component oriented in a second direction, and is configuredto receive and transmit a plurality of respective first modulatedsignals associated with a plurality of respective radio frequencies; (b)a plurality of pairs of frequency converters, each pair of frequencyconverters associated with a respective coupled dipole array antennaelement and including a respective principal polarization convertercorresponding to a respective principal polarization component and arespective orthogonal polarization converter corresponding to arespective orthogonal polarization component, and each principalpolarization converter and each respective orthogonal polarizationconverter is configured to: (1) receive respective first modulatedsignals associated with the respective radio frequencies of theplurality of radio frequencies from the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element, wherein the respective radio frequencies are associatedwith a respective mission center radio frequency received from memoryoperatively connected to a system controller; and (2) convert therespective first modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies into respective secondmodulated signals having a first intermediate frequency, wherein thefirst intermediate frequency is associated with a respective missionintermediate frequency received from the memory operatively connected tothe system controller; and (c) a plurality of digital beamformersoperatively connected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converterswherein each digital beamformer is operatively connected to one of therespective principal polarization frequency converter and the respectiveorthogonal polarization frequency converter and each digital beamformeris configured to: (1) receive the respective second modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency; (2) convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format; (3) generate a plurality of channels of the digital data bydecimation of the digital data using a polyphase channelizer and filterusing a plurality of cascaded halfband filters; (4) select one of theplurality of channels, wherein the selected one of the plurality ofchannels is associated with a respective channel selection received fromthe memory operatively connected to the system controller; (5) apply afirst weighting factor to the digital data associated with the selectedone of the plurality of channels to generate a first intermediatepartial beamformed data stream, wherein the first weighting factor is arespective weighting factor associated with an array of weightingfactors received from the memory operatively connect to the systemcontroller; (6) combine the first intermediate partial beamformed datastream with the plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed datastreams to generate a first partial beamformed data stream; (7) apply anoscillating signal to the first partial beamformed data stream togenerate a first oscillating partial beamformed data stream, wherein theoscillating signal is associated with a respective oscillating signalfrequency received from the memory operatively connected to the systemcontroller; (8) apply a three-stage halfband filter to the firstoscillating partial beamformed data stream to generate a first filteredpartial beamformed data stream; (9) apply a time delay to the firstfiltered partial beamformed data stream to generate a first partialbeam; and (10) transmit the first partial beam of a first beam alongwith a first set of a plurality of other partial beams of the first beamto a digital software system interface via a data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (11) receive the first partial beam of the first beamalong with the first set of the plurality of other partial beams of thefirst beam from the digital software system interface via the datatransport bus; (12) apply a second weighting factor to first transmitdigital data associated with the first partial beam of the first beam ofthe plurality of beams; (13) transmit the first transmit digital data toa first digital to analog converter; and (14) convert, using the firstdigital to analog converter, the first transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe first partial beam of the first beam along with the second set of aplurality of other beams of the second beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the first digital to analog converter, the first transmitdigital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having the firstintermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (3) receive respectivethird modulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequencyfrom the respective digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers; (4) convert the respective third modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency into respective fourthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (5) transmit therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (15) receive a third partial beam of a third beam alongwith a third set of a plurality of other partial beams of the third beamfrom the digital software system interface via the data transport bus;(16) apply a third weighting factor to second transmit digital dataassociated with the third partial beam of the third beam; (17) transmitthe second transmit digital data to a second digital to analogconverter; and (18) convert, using the second digital to analogconverter, the second transmit digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe third partial beam of the third beam along with a fourth set of aplurality of other beams of a fourth beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is the same as thefirst intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the second digital to analog converter, the secondtransmit digital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having asecond intermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to:

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (6) receive respectivefifth modulated signals associated with the second intermediatefrequency from the respective digital beamformer of the plurality ofdigital beamformers; (7) convert the respective fifth modulated signalsassociated with the second intermediate frequency into respective sixthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (8) transmit therespective sixth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to each principal polarization component and eachorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole antenna elements.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element has a transmitmode of operation associated with transmitting a plurality of respectiveradio frequencies, and wherein each principal polarization component andeach orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element is further configured to transmit the respectivesixth modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequenciesof the plurality of radio frequencies.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by the memory of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile, for the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of respectivecoupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective mission centerradio frequency; (b) storing, by the memory operatively connected to thesystem controller, the respective mission center radio frequency for therespective coupled dipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting,from the memory to the respective principal polarization frequencyconverter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission center frequency for the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, the respective mission intermediate frequencycorresponds to the respective mission center radio frequency and isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by the memory of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile, for the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of respectivecoupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by the memory operatively connectedto the system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequencyfor the respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by the memory of the multi-band software defined antennaarray tile, for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b)storing, by the memory operatively connected to the system controller,the respective channel selection for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and(c) transporting, from the memory to the respective digital beamformer,the respective channel selection for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe respective mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each respective weighting factor of the array ofweighting factors is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by thememory of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by thememory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveweighting factor for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of respectivecoupled dipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is the respective weighting factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associatedwith each position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontalposition m and a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitudeweighting factor associated with each position in the antenna arrayexpressed as a horizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal)is a calibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by the memory of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

In embodiments, the multi-band software defined antenna array tile isused as part of a large form-factor phased array system including aplurality of multi-band software defined antenna array tiles.

In embodiments, the large form-factor phased array system is stationary.

In embodiments, the large form-factor phased array system is mounted ona vehicle.

In embodiments, the vehicle is an aerial vehicle.

In embodiments, the vehicle is a nautical vehicle.

In embodiments, the vehicle is a terrestrial vehicle.

In embodiments, the multi-band software defined antenna array tile isused in conjunction with a wide area scanning parabolic apparatusincluding a digitally beamformed phased array and a parabolic reflectormounted on a support pedestal.

In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased array includes a radomeconfigured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate, the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile, a power and clock managementsubsystem configured to manage power and time of operation, a thermalmanagement subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by themulti-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosureassembly.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) generating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams;iv. processing, by the digital software system, the second set ofrespective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to determine respective location information for eachobject of a first set of objects associated with the first plurality ofbeams including at least a first object; v. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the graphical display which displays: (1) the firstplurality of beams; (2) the first set of objects including at least thefirst object; (3) a first azimuth axis based on the first azimuth axiscomponent; and (4) a first elevation axis based on the first elevationaxis component; and vi. displaying, by the digital software system, atleast a portion of the graphical display on a display operably connectedto the digital software system; (b) assigning, by the digital softwaresystem, priority information to the first object by the steps of: i.selecting the first object displayed by the graphical display; ii.assigning first priority information to the first object; and iii.assigning a first beam of the first plurality of beams to the firstobject; (c) providing, by the digital software system, respectivedirection information associated with the first beam and the firstparabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, a respective first weighting factor associated with thefirst beam as part of a first array of weighting factors associated withthe first plurality of beams based on: (1) the respective locationinformation associated with the first object; (2) the first azimuthaxis; and (3) the first elevation axis; ii. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, second angular direction information including a secondazimuth axis component and a second elevation axis component associatedwith the first parabolic reflector based on: (1) the first beam; (2) therespective location information associated with the first object; (3)the first azimuth axis; and (4) the first elevation axis; iii.transmitting, from the digital software system via a system controllerto a respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digital beamformersoperatively connected to the plurality of antenna array elements and thesystem controller, the respective first weighting factor associated withthe first beam; and iv. transmitting, by the digital software system viathe pedestal controller to the first parabolic reflector, the secondangular direction information; (d) updating, by the digital softwaresystem, the graphical display during a second time period by the stepsof: i. receiving, by the digital software system via the pedestalcontroller, third angular direction information including a thirdazimuth axis component and a third elevation axis component associatedwith the first parabolic reflector; ii. receiving, by the digitalsoftware system via the data transport bus, a third set of respectivethird digital data streams associated with the first plurality ofpartial beams, wherein each respective partial beam of the firstplurality of partial beams is associated with a respective third digitaldata stream and data in the respective third digital data stream isassociated with a second plurality of respective modulated radiofrequency signals received by the plurality of antenna array elements;iii. processing, by the digital software system, the third set ofrespective third digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of partial beams to generate a fourth set of respective fourthdigital data streams associated with the first plurality of beams,wherein each beam of the first plurality of beams is based on at leasttwo respective fourth digital data streams; iv. processing, by thedigital software system, the fourth set of respective fourth digitaldata streams associated with the first plurality of beams to generatefirst object movement information associated with the first object,wherein the first object movement information includes a first objectangular velocity and a first object angular direction, and wherein thefirst object angular direction includes a first object elevation anglecomponent and a first object azimuth angle component; v. updating, bythe digital software system, the graphical display to display: (1) thefirst plurality of beams; (2) the first set of objects including atleast the first object based at least on the first object movementinformation; (3) a second azimuth axis based on the third azimuth axiscomponent; and (4) a second elevation axis based on the third elevationaxis component; and (e) providing, by the digital software system,respective updated direction information associated with the first beamand the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by thedigital software system, fourth angular direction information includinga fourth azimuth axis component and a fourth elevation axis componentassociated with the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: a.determining, by the digital software system, a first angular directiontrajectory associated with the respective angular direction of the firstparabolic reflector based on: 1. the respective location informationassociated with the first object; 2. the first object movementinformation; 3. the third angular direction information; 4. the secondazimuth axis; and 5. the second elevation axis; b. determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first parabolic reflector isprojected to exceed a maximum elevation angle based on the first angulardirection trajectory; c. in the case where the first parabolic reflectoris not projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, generating, bythe digital software system, the fourth angular direction informationbased on: 1. the first beam; and 2. the first angular directiontrajectory; d. in the case where the first parabolic reflector isprojected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, determining, by thedigital software system, whether the second elevation axis has exceededa first threshold elevation angle; e. in the case where the secondelevation axis has not exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,generating, by the digital software system, the fourth angular directioninformation based on: 1. the first beam; and 2. the first angulardirection trajectory; f. in the case where the second elevation axis hasexceeded the first threshold elevation angle, calculating, by thedigital software system, a first tangent trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector based onthe first angular direction trajectory, wherein the first tangenttrajectory includes a first azimuth trajectory component and a firstelevation trajectory component; and g. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the fourth angular direction information based on: 1.the first beam; and 2. the first tangent trajectory; ii. generating, bythe digital software system, a respective second weighting factorassociated with the first beam as part of a second array of weightingfactors associated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) thefirst angular direction trajectory; (2) the fourth angular directioninformation; (3) the first object movement information; (4) the secondazimuth axis, and (5) the second elevation axis; iii. transmitting, bythe digital software system via the pedestal controller to the firstparabolic reflector, the fourth angular direction information, whereinthe pedestal controller adjusts the respective angular directionassociated with the first parabolic reflector based on the fourthangular direction information; and iv. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to the respective digital beamformerof the plurality of digital beamformers, the respective second weightingfactor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the firstobject.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the firstobject.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) updating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the firstparabolic; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams;iv. processing, by the digital software system, the second set ofrespective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to generate first location information and firstobject movement information associated with a first object associatedwith a first beam of the first plurality of beams, wherein the firstobject movement information includes a first object angular velocity anda first object angular direction, and wherein the first object angulardirection includes a first object elevation angle component and a firstobject azimuth angle component; and v. updating, by the digital softwaresystem, the graphical display to display: (1) the first plurality ofbeams; (2) the first object based at least on the first object movementinformation; (3) a first azimuth axis based on the first azimuth axiscomponent; and (4) a first elevation axis based on the first elevationaxis component; (b) providing, by the digital software system,respective updated direction information associated with the first beamand the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by thedigital software system, second angular direction information includinga second azimuth axis component and a second elevation axis componentassociated with the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: a.determining, by the digital software system, a first angular directiontrajectory associated with the respective angular direction of the firstparabolic reflector based on: 1. the first location informationassociated with the first object; 2. the first object movementinformation; 3. the first angular direction information; 4. the firstazimuth axis; and 5. the first elevation axis; b. determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first parabolic reflector isprojected to exceed a maximum elevation angle based on the first angulardirection trajectory; c. in the case where the first parabolic reflectoris not projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, generating, bythe digital software system, the second angular direction informationbased on: 1. the first beam; and 2. the first angular directiontrajectory; d. in the case where the first parabolic reflector isprojected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first elevation axis has exceeded afirst threshold elevation angle; e. in the case where the firstelevation axis has not exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,generating, by the digital software system, the second angular directioninformation based on: 1. the first beam; and 2. the first angulardirection trajectory; f. in the case where the first elevation axis hasexceeded the first threshold elevation angle, calculating, by thedigital software system, a first tangent trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector based onthe first angular direction trajectory, wherein the first tangenttrajectory includes a first azimuth trajectory component and a firstelevation trajectory component; and g. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the second angular direction information based on: 1.the first beam; and 2. the first tangent trajectory; ii. generating, bythe digital software system, a respective first weighting factorassociated with the first beam as part of a first array of weightingfactors associated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) thefirst angular direction trajectory; (2) the second angular directioninformation; (3) the first object movement information; (4) the firstazimuth axis, and (5) the first elevation axis; iii. transmitting, bythe digital software system via the pedestal controller to the firstparabolic reflector, the second angular direction information, whereinthe pedestal controller adjusts the respective angular directionassociated with the first parabolic reflector based on the secondangular direction information; and iv. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to a respective digital beamformer ofa plurality of digital beamformers operatively connected to theplurality of antenna array elements and the system controller, therespective second weighting factor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) generating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams;iv. processing, by the digital software system, the second set ofrespective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to determine respective location information for eachobject of a first set of objects associated with the first plurality ofbeams including at least a first object and a second object; v.generating, by the digital software system, the graphical display whichdisplays: (1) the first plurality of beams; (2) the first set of objectsincluding at least the first object and the second object; (3) a firstazimuth axis based on the first azimuth axis component; and (4) a firstelevation axis based on the first elevation axis component; and vi.displaying, by the digital software system, at least a portion of thegraphical display on a display operably connected to the digitalsoftware system; (b) assigning, by the digital software system, priorityinformation to the first object and the second object by the steps of:i. selecting the first object displayed by the graphical display; ii.assigning first priority information to the first object; iii. assigninga first beam of the first plurality of beams to the first object; iv.selecting the second object displayed by the graphical display; v.assigning second priority information to the second object; and vi.assigning a second beam of the first plurality of beams to the secondobject; (c) providing, by the digital software system, respectivedirection information associated with the first beam, the second beamand the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by thedigital software system, a respective first weighting factor associatedwith the first beam as part of a first array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) therespective location information associated with the first object; (2)the first azimuth axis; and (3) the first elevation axis; ii.generating, by the digital software system, a respective secondweighting factor associated with the second beam as part of the firstarray of weighting factors associated with the first plurality of beamsbased on: (1) the respective location information associated with thesecond object; (2) the first azimuth axis; and (3) the first elevationaxis; iii. generating, by the digital software system, second angulardirection information including a second azimuth axis component and asecond elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector based on: (1) the first beam; (2) the second beam; (3) therespective location information associated with the first object; (4)the respective location information associated with the second object;(5) the first priority information; (6) the second priority information;(7) the first azimuth axis; and (8) the first elevation axis; iv.transmitting, from the digital software via a system controller to afirst respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digitalbeamformers operatively connected to the plurality of antenna arrayelements and the system controller, the respective first weightingfactor associated with the first beam; v. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to a second respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of antenna array elements and the system controller,the respective second weighting factor associated with the second beam;and vi. transmitting, by the digital software system via the pedestalcontroller to the first parabolic reflector, the second angulardirection information; (d) updating, by the digital software system, thegraphical display during a second time period by the steps of: i.receiving, by the digital software system via the pedestal controller,third angular direction information including a third azimuth axiscomponent and a third elevation axis component associated with the firstparabolic reflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system viathe data transport bus, a third set of respective third digital datastreams associated with the first plurality of partial beams, whereineach respective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective third digital data stream and data in therespective third digital data stream is associated with a secondplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received bythe plurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the third set of respective third digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate afourth set of respective fourth digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective fourth digital data streams;iv. processing, by the digital software system, the fourth set ofrespective fourth digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to generate first object movement informationassociated with the first object and second object movement informationassociated with the second object, wherein the first object movementinformation includes a first object angular velocity and a first objectangular direction, and wherein the first object angular directionincludes a first object elevation angle component and a first objectazimuth angle component, and wherein the second object movementinformation includes a second object angular velocity and a secondobject angular direction, and wherein the second object angulardirection includes a second object elevation angle component and asecond object azimuth angle component; and v. updating, by the digitalsoftware system, the graphical display to display: (1) the firstplurality of beams; (2) the first set of objects including the firstobject and the second object based at least on the first object movementinformation and the second object movement information; (3) a secondazimuth axis based on the third azimuth axis component; and (4) a secondelevation axis based on the third elevation axis component; (e)determining, by the digital software system, whether to unassign thefirst beam from the first object or the second beam from the secondobject by the steps of: i. determining, by the digital software system,whether one of the first object and the second object has exceeded afirst maximum distance from the second elevation axis and the secondazimuth axis based on: (1) the respective location informationassociated with the first object; (2) the respective locationinformation associated with the second object; (3) the first objectmovement information; (4) the second object movement information; (5)the second azimuth axis; and (6) the second elevation axis; and (f) inthe case where one of the first object and the second object has notexceeded the first maximum distance, providing, by the digital softwaresystem, respective updated direction information associated with thefirst beam, the second beam and the first parabolic reflector by thesteps of: i. generating, by the digital software system, fourth angulardirection information including a fourth azimuth axis component and afourth elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector by the steps of: a. determining, by the digital softwaresystem, a first angular direction trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector based on:i. the respective location information associated with the first object;ii. the respective location information associated with the secondobject; iii. the first priority information; iv. the second priorityinformation; v. the first object movement information; vi. the secondobject movement information; vii. the third angular directioninformation; viii. the second azimuth axis; ix. the second elevationaxis; b. determining, by the digital software system, whether the firstparabolic reflector is projected to exceed a maximum elevation anglebased on the first angular direction trajectory; c. in the case wherethe first parabolic reflector is not projected to exceed the maximumelevation angle, generating, by the digital software system, the fourthangular direction information based on: 1. the first beam; 2. the secondbeam; and 3. the first angular direction trajectory; d. in the casewhere the first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximumelevation angle, determining, by the digital software system, whetherthe second elevation axis has exceeded a first threshold elevationangle; e. in the case where the second elevation has not exceeded thefirst threshold elevation angle, generating, by the digital softwaresystem, the fourth angular direction information based on: 1. the firstbeam; 2. the second beam; and 3. the first angular direction trajectory;f in the case where the second elevation axis has exceeded the firstthreshold elevation angle, calculating, by the digital software system,a first tangent trajectory associated with the respective angulardirection of the first parabolic reflector based on the first angulardirection trajectory, wherein the first tangent trajectory includes afirst azimuth trajectory component and a first elevation trajectorycomponent; and g. generating, by the digital software system, the fourthangular direction information based on: 1. the first beam; 2. the secondbeam; and 3. the first tangent trajectory; ii. generating, by thedigital software system, a respective third weighting factor associatedwith the first beam as part of a second array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) the firstangular direction trajectory; (2) the fourth angular directioninformation; (3) the first object movement information; (4) the secondazimuth axis; and (5) the second elevation axis; iii. generating, by thedigital software system, a respective fourth weighting factor associatedwith the second beam as part of the second array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) the firstangular direction trajectory; (2) the fourth angular directioninformation; (3) the second object movement information; (4) the secondazimuth axis; and (5) the second elevation axis; iv. transmitting, bythe digital software system via the pedestal controller to the firstparabolic reflector, the fourth angular direction information, whereinthe pedestal controller adjusts the respective angular directionassociated with the first parabolic reflector based on the fourthangular direction information; v. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to the first respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers, the respective thirdweighting factor; and vi. transmitting, from the digital software systemvia the system controller to the second respective digital beamformer ofthe plurality of digital beamformers, the respective fourth weightingfactor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristic of the first object.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the firstobject.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(iv) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(iv) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristic of the secondobject.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(v) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(v) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the secondobject.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) generating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams;iv. processing, by the digital software system, the second set ofrespective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to determine respective location information for eachobject of a first set of objects associated with the first plurality ofbeams including at least a first object and a second object; v.generating, by the digital software system, the graphical display whichdisplays: (1) the first plurality of beams; (2) the first set of objectsincluding at least the first object and the second object; (3) a firstazimuth axis based on the first azimuth axis component; and (4) a firstelevation axis based on the first elevation axis component; and vi.displaying, by the digital software system, at least a portion of thegraphical display on a display operably connected to the digitalsoftware system; (b) assigning, by the digital software system, priorityinformation to the first object and the second object by the steps of:i. selecting the first object displayed by the graphical display; ii.assigning first priority information to the first object; iii. assigninga first beam of the first plurality of beams to the first object; iv.selecting the second object displayed by the graphical display; v.assigning second priority information to the second object; and vi.assigning a second beam of the first plurality of beams to the secondobject; (c) providing, by the digital software system, respectivedirection information associated with the first beam, the second beamand the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by thedigital software system, a respective first weighting factor associatedwith the first beam as part of a first array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) therespective location information associated with the first object; (2)the first azimuth axis; and (3) the first elevation axis; ii.generating, by the digital software system, a respective secondweighting factor associated with the second beam as part of the firstarray of weighting factors associated with the first plurality of beamsbased on: (1) the respective location information associated with thesecond object; (2) the first azimuth axis; and (3) the first elevationaxis; iii. generating, by the digital software system, second angulardirection information including a second azimuth axis component and asecond elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector based on: (1) the first beam; (2) the second beam; (3) therespective location information associated with the first object; (4)the respective location information associated with the second object;(5) the first priority information; (6) the second priority information;(7) the first azimuth axis; and (8) the first elevation axis; iv.transmitting, from the digital software via a system controller to afirst respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digitalbeamformers operatively connected to the plurality of antenna arrayelements and the system controller, the respective first weightingfactor associated with the first beam; v. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to a second respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of antenna array elements and the system controller,the respective second weighting factor associated with the second beam;and vi. transmitting, by the digital software system via the pedestalcontroller to the first parabolic reflector, the second angulardirection information; (d) updating, by the digital software system, thegraphical display during a second time period by the steps of: i.receiving, by the digital software system via the pedestal controller,third angular direction information including a third azimuth axiscomponent and a third elevation axis component associated with the firstparabolic reflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system viathe system controller, a third set of respective third digital datastreams associated with the first plurality of partial beams, whereineach respective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective third digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a secondplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received bythe plurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the third set of respective third digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate afourth set of a respective fourth digital data streams associated withthe first plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first pluralityof beams is based on at least two respective fourth digital datastreams; iv. processing, by the digital software system, the fourth setof respective fourth digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to generate first object movement informationassociated with the first object and second object movement informationassociated with the second object, wherein the first object movementinformation includes a first object angular velocity and a first objectangular direction, and wherein the first object angular directionincludes a first object elevation angle component and a first objectazimuth angle component, and wherein the second object movementinformation includes a second object angular velocity and a secondobject angular direction, and wherein the second object angulardirection includes a second object elevation angle component and asecond object azimuth angle component; and v. updating, by the digitalsoftware system, the graphical display to display: (1) the firstplurality of beams; (2) the first set of objects including at least thefirst object and the second object based at least on the first objectmovement information and the second object movement information; (3) asecond azimuth axis based on the third azimuth axis component; and (4) asecond elevation axis based on the third elevation axis component; (e)determining, by the digital software system, whether to unassign thefirst beam from the first object or the second beam from the secondobject by the steps of: i. determining, by the digital software system,whether one of the first object and the second object has exceeded afirst maximum distance from the second elevation axis and the secondazimuth axis based on: (1) the respective location informationassociated with the first object; (2) the respective locationinformation associated with the second object; (3) the first objectmovement information; (4) the second object movement information; (5)the second azimuth axis; and (6) the second elevation axis; ii. in thecase where the one of the first object and the second object hasexceeded the first maximum distance, determining, by the digitalsoftware system, whether the first object or the second object hashigher priority based on the first priority information and the secondinformation; iii. in the case where the first object has higher prioritythan the second object, unassigning, by the digital software system, thesecond beam of the first plurality of beams from the second object; andiv. in the case where the second object has higher priority than thefirst object, unassigning, by the digital software system, the firstbeam of the plurality of beams from the first object; (f) in the casewhere the second beam is unassigned from the second object, providing,by the digital software system, respective updated direction informationassociated with the first beam and the first parabolic reflector by thesteps of: i. generating, by the digital software system, fourth angulardirection information including a fourth azimuth axis component and afourth elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector by the steps of: a. determining, by the digital softwaresystem, a first angular direction trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector basedon: 1. the respective location information associated with the firstobject; 2. the first object movement information; 3. the third angulardirection information; 4. the second azimuth axis; and 5. the secondelevation axis; b. determining, by the digital software system, whetherthe first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed a maximum elevationangle based on the first angular direction trajectory; c. in the casewhere the first parabolic reflector is not projected to exceed themaximum elevation angle, generating, by the digital software system, thefourth angular direction information based on: 1. the first beam; and 2.the first angular direction trajectory; d. in the case where the firstparabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle,determining, by the digital software system, whether the secondelevation axis has exceeded a first threshold elevation angle; e. in thecase where the second elevation axis has not exceeded the firstthreshold elevation angle, generating, by the digital software system,the fourth angular direction information based on: 1. the first beam;and 2. the first angular direction trajectory; f in the case where thesecond elevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,calculating, by the digital software system, a first tangent trajectoryassociated with the respective angular direction of the first parabolicreflector based on the first angular direction trajectory, wherein thefirst tangent trajectory includes a first azimuth trajectory componentand a first elevation trajectory component; and g. generating, by thedigital software system, the fourth angular direction information basedon: 1. the first beam; and 2. the first tangent trajectory; ii.generating, by the digital software system, a respective third weightingfactor associated with the first beam as part of a second array ofweighting factors associated with the first plurality of beams based on:(1) the first angular direction trajectory; (2) the fourth angulardirection information; (3) the first object movement information; (4)the second azimuth axis, and (5) the second elevation axis; iii.transmitting, by the digital software system via the pedestal controllerto the first parabolic reflector, the fourth angular directioninformation, wherein the pedestal controller adjusts the respectiveangular direction associated with the first parabolic reflector based onthe fourth angular direction information; and iv. transmitting, from thedigital software via the system controller to the first respectivedigital beamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers, therespective third weighting factor; and (g) in the case where the firstbeam is unassigned from the first object, providing, by the digitalsoftware system, respective updated direction information associatedwith the second beam and the first parabolic reflector by the steps of:i. generating, by the digital software system, the fourth angulardirection information including the fourth azimuth axis component andthe fourth elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector by the steps of: a. determining, by the digital softwaresystem, the first angular direction trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector basedon: 1. the respective location information associated with the secondobject; 2. the second object movement information; 3. the third angulardirection information; 4. the second azimuth axis; and 5. the secondelevation axis; b. determining, by the digital software system, whetherthe first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximumelevation angle based on the first angular direction trajectory; c. inthe case where the first parabolic reflector is not projected to exceedthe maximum elevation angle, generating, by the digital software system,the fourth angular direction information based on: 1. the second beam;and 2. the first angular direction trajectory; d. in the case where thefirst parabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximum elevationangle, determining, by the digital software system, whether the secondelevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle; e. inthe case where the second elevation axis has not exceeded the firstthreshold elevation angle, generating, by the digital software system,the fourth angular direction information based on: 1. the second beam;and 2. the first angular direction trajectory; f. in the case where thesecond elevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,calculating, by the digital software system, the first tangenttrajectory associated with the respective angular direction of the firstparabolic reflector based on the first angular direction trajectory,wherein the first tangent trajectory includes the first azimuthtrajectory component and the first elevation trajectory component; andg. generating, by the digital software system, the fourth angulardirection information based on: 1. the second beam; and 2. the firsttangent trajectory; ii. generating, by the digital software system, therespective fourth weighting factor associated with the second beam aspart of the second array of weighting factors associated with the firstplurality of beams based on: (1) the first angular direction trajectory;(2) the fourth angular direction information; (3) the second objectmovement information; (4) the second azimuth axis, and (5) the secondelevation axis; iii. transmitting, by the digital software system viathe pedestal controller to the first parabolic reflector, the fourthangular direction information, wherein the pedestal controller adjuststhe respective angular direction associated with the first parabolicreflector based on the fourth angular direction information; and iv.transmitting, from the digital software via the system controller to thesecond respective digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers, the respective fourth weighting factor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(i) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the firstobject.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(ii) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the firstobject.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(iv) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the selecting step (b)(iv) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the secondobject.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(v) is performed manually by auser using one or more input elements operably connected to the digitalsoftware system.

In embodiments, the assigning step (b)(v) is performed automatically bythe digital software system based on characteristics of the secondobject.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) updating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams,and wherein a first beam is assigned to a first object and a second beamis assigned to a second object; iv. processing, by the digital softwaresystem, the second set of respective second digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of beams to generate: (1) firstlocation information associated with the first object; (2) secondlocation information associated with the second object; (3) first objectmovement information associated with the first object; and (4) secondobject movement information associated with the second object, whereinthe first object movement information includes a first object angularvelocity and a first object angular direction, and wherein the firstobject angular direction includes a first object elevation anglecomponent and a first object azimuth angle component, wherein the secondobject movement information includes a second object angular velocityand a second object angular direction, and wherein the second objectangular direction includes a second object elevation angle component anda second object azimuth angle component, and wherein the first object isassociated with first priority information and the second object isassociated with second priority information; and v. updating, by thedigital software system, the graphical display to display: (1) the firstplurality of beams; (2) the first object based at least on the firstobject movement information; (3) the second object based at least on thesecond object movement information; (4) a first azimuth axis based onthe first azimuth axis component; and (5) a first elevation axis basedon the first elevation axis component; (b) determining, by the digitalsoftware system, whether to unassign the first beam from the firstobject or the second beam from the second object by the steps of: i.determining, by the digital software system, whether one of the firstobject and the second object has exceeded a first maximum distance fromthe second elevation axis and the second azimuth axis based on: (1) thefirst location information associated with the first object; (2) thesecond location information associated with the second object; (3) thefirst object movement information; (4) the second object movementinformation; (5) the first azimuth axis; and (6) the first elevationaxis; and (c) in the case where one of the first object and the secondobject has not exceeded the first maximum distance, providing, by thedigital software system, respective updated direction informationassociated with the first beam, the second beam and the first parabolicreflector by the steps of: i. generating, by the digital softwaresystem, second angular direction information including a second azimuthaxis component and a second elevation axis component associated with thefirst parabolic reflector by the steps of: a. determining, by thedigital software system, a first angular direction trajectory associatedwith the respective angular direction of the first parabolic reflectorbased on: i. the first location information associated with the firstobject; ii. the second location information associated with the secondobject; iii. the first priority information; iv. the second priorityinformation; v. the first object movement information; vi. the secondobject movement information; vii. the first angular directioninformation; viii. the first azimuth axis; ix. the first elevation axis;b. determining, by the digital software system, whether the firstparabolic reflector is projected to exceed a maximum elevation anglebased on the first angular direction trajectory; c. in the case wherethe first parabolic reflector is not projected to exceed the maximumelevation angle, generating, by the digital software system, the secondangular direction information based on: i. the first beam; ii. thesecond beam; and iii. the first angular direction trajectory; d. in thecase where the first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed themaximum elevation angle, determining, by the digital software system,whether the second elevation axis has exceeded a first thresholdelevation angle; e. in the case where the second elevation has notexceeded the first threshold elevation angle, generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the second angular direction information based on: i.the first beam; ii. the second beam; and iii. the first angulardirection trajectory; f. in the case where the second elevation axis hasexceeded the first threshold elevation angle, calculating, by thedigital software system, a first tangent trajectory associated with therespective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector based onthe first angular direction trajectory, wherein the first tangenttrajectory includes a first azimuth trajectory component and a firstelevation trajectory component; g. generating, by the digital softwaresystem, the second angular direction information based on: i. the firstbeam; ii. the second beam; and iii. the first tangent trajectory; ii.generating, by the digital software system, a respective first weightingfactor associated with the first beam as part of a first array ofweighting factors associated with the first plurality of beams based on:(1) the first angular direction trajectory; (2) the second angulardirection information; (3) the first object movement information; (4)the first azimuth axis; and (5) the first elevation axis; iii.generating, by the digital software system, a respective secondweighting factor associated with the second beam as part of the firstarray of weighting factors associated with the first plurality of beamsbased on: (1) the first angular direction trajectory; (2) the secondangular direction information; (3) the second object movementinformation; (4) the first azimuth axis; and (5) the first elevationaxis; iv. transmitting, by the digital software system via the pedestalcontroller to the first parabolic reflector, the second angulardirection information, wherein the pedestal controller adjusts therespective angular direction associated with the first parabolicreflector based on the second angular direction information; v.transmitting, from the digital software via a system controller to afirst respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digitalbeamformers operatively connected to the plurality of antenna arrayelements and the system controller, the respective first weightingfactor; and vi. transmitting, from the digital software system via thesystem controller to a second respective digital beamformer of theplurality of digital beamformers operatively connected to the pluralityof antenna array elements and the system controller, the respectivesecond weighting factor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, a method may include: (a) updating, by a digitalsoftware system, a graphical display during a first time period by thesteps of: i. receiving, by the digital software system via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information including a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, by the digital software system via a datatransport bus, a first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with a first plurality of partial beams, wherein eachrespective partial beam of the first plurality of partial beams isassociated with a respective first digital data stream and data in therespective first digital data stream is associated with a firstplurality of respective modulated radio frequency signals received by aplurality of antenna array elements; iii. processing, by the digitalsoftware system, the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams,and wherein a first beam is assigned to a first object and a second beamis assigned to a second object; iv. processing, by the digital softwaresystem, the second set of respective second digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of beams to generate: (1) firstlocation information associated with the first object; (2) secondlocation information associated with the second object; (3) first objectmovement information associated with the first object; and (4) secondobject movement information associated with the second object, whereinthe first object movement information includes a first object angularvelocity and a first object angular direction, and wherein the firstobject angular direction includes a first object elevation anglecomponent and a first object azimuth angle component, wherein the secondobject movement information includes a second object angular velocityand a second object angular direction, and wherein the second objectangular direction includes a second object elevation angle component anda second object azimuth angle component, and wherein the first object isassociated with first priority information and the second object isassociated with second priority information; and v. updating, by thedigital software system, the graphical display to display: (1) the firstplurality of beams; (2) the first object based at least on the firstobject movement information; (3) the second object based at least on thesecond object movement information; (4) a first azimuth axis based onthe first azimuth axis component; and (5) a first elevation axis basedon the first elevation axis component; (b) determining, by the digitalsoftware system, whether to unassign the first beam from the firstobject or the second beam from the second object by the steps of: i.determining, by the digital software system, whether one of the firstobject and the second object has exceeded a first maximum distance fromthe second elevation axis and the second azimuth axis based on: (1) thefirst location information associated with the first object; (2) thesecond location information associated with the second object; (3) thefirst object movement information; (4) the second object movementinformation; (5) the first azimuth axis; and (6) the first elevationaxis; ii. in the case where the one of the first object and the secondobject has exceeded the first maximum distance, determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first object or the second objecthas higher priority based on the first priority information and thesecond priority information; iii. in the case where the first object hashigher priority than the second object, unassigning, by the digitalsoftware system, the second beam of the first plurality of beams fromthe second object; and iv. in the case where the second object hashigher priority than the first object, unassigning, by the digitalsoftware system, the first beam of the plurality of beams from the firstobject; (c) in the case where the second beam is unassigned from thesecond object, providing, by the digital software system, respectiveupdated direction information associated with the first beam and thefirst parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, second angular direction information including a secondazimuth axis component and a second elevation axis component associatedwith the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: a. determining, bythe digital software system, a first angular direction trajectoryassociated with the respective angular direction of the first parabolicreflector based on: i. the first location information associated withthe first object; ii. the first object movement information; iii. thefirst angular direction information; iv. the first azimuth axis; and v.the first elevation axis; b. determining, by the digital softwaresystem, whether the first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed amaximum elevation angle based on the first angular direction trajectory;c. in the case where the first parabolic reflector is not projected toexceed the maximum elevation angle, generating, by the digital softwaresystem, the second angular direction information based on: i. the firstbeam; and ii. the first angular direction trajectory; d. in the casewhere the first parabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximumelevation angle, determining, by the digital software system, whetherthe first elevation axis has exceeded a first threshold elevation angle;e. in the case where the second elevation axis has not exceeded thefirst threshold elevation angle, generating, by the digital softwaresystem, the second angular direction information based on: i. the firstbeam; and ii. the first angular direction trajectory; f. in the casewhere the second elevation axis has exceeded the first thresholdelevation angle, calculating, by the digital software system, a firsttangent trajectory associated with the respective angular direction ofthe first parabolic reflector based on the first angular directiontrajectory, wherein the first tangent trajectory includes a firstazimuth trajectory component and a first elevation trajectory component;and g. generating, by the digital software system, the second angulardirection information based on: i. the first beam; and ii. the firsttangent trajectory; ii. generating, by the digital software system, arespective first weighting factor associated with the first beam as partof a first array of weighting factors associated with the firstplurality of beams based on: (1) the first angular direction trajectory;(2) the second angular direction information; (3) the first objectmovement information; (4) the first azimuth axis, and (5) the firstelevation axis; iii. transmitting, by the digital software system viathe pedestal controller to the first parabolic reflector, the secondangular direction information, wherein the pedestal controller adjuststhe respective angular direction associated with the first parabolicreflector based on the second angular direction information; and iv.transmitting, from the digital software via a system controller to afirst respective digital beamformer of a plurality of digitalbeamformers operatively connected to the plurality of antenna arrayelements and the system controller, the respective first weightingfactor; and (d) in the case where the first beam is unassigned from thefirst object, providing, by the digital software system, respectiveupdated direction information associated with the second beam and thefirst parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the second angular direction information including thesecond azimuth axis component and the second elevation axis componentassociated with the first parabolic reflector by the steps of: a.determining, by the digital software system, the first angular directiontrajectory associated with the respective angular direction of the firstparabolic reflector based on: i. the second location informationassociated with the second object; ii. the second object movementinformation; iii. the first angular direction information; iv. the firstazimuth axis; and v. the first elevation axis; b. determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first parabolic reflector isprojected to exceed the maximum elevation angle based on the firstangular direction trajectory; c. in the case where the first parabolicreflector is not projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle,generating, by the digital software system, the second angular directioninformation based on: i. the second beam; and ii. the first angulardirection trajectory; d. in the case where the first parabolic reflectoris projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, determining, by thedigital software system, whether the first elevation axis has exceededthe first threshold elevation angle; e. in the case where the firstelevation axis has not exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,generating, by the digital software system, the second angular directioninformation based on: i. the second beam; and ii. the first angulardirection trajectory; f in the case where the first elevation axis hasexceeded the first threshold elevation angle, calculating, by thedigital software system, the first tangent trajectory associated withthe respective angular direction of the first parabolic reflector basedon the first angular direction trajectory, wherein the first tangenttrajectory includes the first azimuth trajectory component and the firstelevation trajectory component; and g. generating, by the digitalsoftware system, the second angular direction information based on: i.the second beam; and ii. the first tangent trajectory; ii. generating,by the digital software system, a respective second weighting factorassociated with the second beam as part of the second array of weightingfactors associated with the first plurality of beams based on: (1) thefirst angular direction trajectory; (2) the second angular directioninformation; (3) the second object movement information; (4) the firstazimuth axis, and (5) the first elevation axis; iii. transmitting, bythe digital software system via the pedestal controller to the firstparabolic reflector, the second angular direction information, whereinthe pedestal controller adjusts the respective angular directionassociated with the first parabolic reflector based on the secondangular direction information; and iv. transmitting, from the digitalsoftware via the system controller to a second respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of antenna array elements and the system controller,the respective second weighting factor.

In embodiments, each partial beam is formed by a respective digitalbeamformer of the plurality of digital beamformers.

In embodiments, each of the first plurality of beams includes 2 partialbeams.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the first priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a primary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a secondary objectweight.

In embodiments, the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and related objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodimentsof the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the current state of practice forantenna beamforming technology.

FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic illustrations of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 2-2A is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed in conjunction with a parabolic reflectorin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed in conjunction with a large form-factorphased array in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross sectional view of adigitally beamformed phased array feed system in conjunction with aparabolic reflector in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-band software definedantenna array tile in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the radiofrequency system of a multi-band software defined antenna array tile inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is schematic diagram of a process flow of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in conjunction with a largeform-factor phased array in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of amulti-band software defined antenna array tile in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a systemfor a digitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 12-14 are schematic illustrations of the current state of practicefor antenna beamforming technology.

FIGS. 15A-B depict exemplary beam amplitude tapering plots illustratingbeam amplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16A-B depict exemplary beam amplitude tapering plots illustratingbeam amplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts exemplary beam amplitude tapering plots illustratingbeam amplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a table illustrating exemplary mission parameters used by adigitally beamformed phased array system in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 19-23 are schematic diagrams for process flows of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 24A-D are schematic diagrams for process flows of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 25A-B are schematic diagrams for process flows of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of the three-dimensional movementaxes associated with a traditional parabolic reflector.

FIGS. 27A-B are schematic illustrations of a system and method for fineloop pointing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 28A-B are schematic illustrations of a system and method for fineloop pointing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a system and method for fine looppointing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 30A-D are schematic illustrations of a graphical user interfacegenerated by a method for fine loop pointing in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 31, 31A-F are schematic diagrams for process flows of a method forfine loop pointing in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32A is a schematic diagram for a process flow of a method for fineloop pointing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 33, 33A-E are schematic diagrams for process flows of a method forfine loop pointing in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for adigitally beamformed phased array feed. In embodiments, the digitallybeamformed phased array feed may be used in conjunction with a parabolicreflector. In embodiments, the present invention generally relates tosystems and methods for a large form-factor phased array utilizing aplurality of multi-band software defined antenna array tiles.

Digital Beamforming

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the current state of practice forantenna beamforming technology. Existing satellite antennas 100 aredesigned to receive or transmit radio waves to or from a flight object108. As used here, the term flight object 108 refers to satellites,flight test assets, missiles, and airplanes, to name a few. Eachsatellite antenna 100 is designed to receive electromagnetic waveshaving a specific frequency range. For example, a satellite antenna 100having an L-band 102 transmission may receive and transmit frequenciesranging from 1.0 to 2.0 gigahertz (GHz); an antenna 100 having a C-band104 transmission may receive and transmit frequencies ranging from 4.0to 8.0 GHz; and an antenna 100 having an S-band 106 transmission mayreceive and transmit frequencies ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 GHz. Because ofthe current limitations on antenna beamforming technology, eachsatellite antenna 100 may receive or transmit electromagnetic waves inone frequency range at a time. Additionally, due to existing beamformingtechniques, each satellite antenna 100 may only communicate with oneflight object 108 at a time.

FIGS. 12-14 are schematic illustrations of the current state of practicefor antenna beamforming technology. The efficiency and directivequalities of an antenna may be measured by its gain. Gain is the ratioof the power received by the antenna from a source along its beam axisto the power received by a hypothetical lossless isotropic antenna,which is equally sensitive to signals from all directions. The gain of aparabolic antenna is:

$G = {\frac{4\pi A}{\lambda^{2}}e_{A}}$where A is the area of the antenna aperture; λ is the wavelength of theradio waves; and e_(A) is aperture efficiency, a dimensionless parameterbetween 0 and 1 which measures how effective an antenna is at receivingthe power of electromagnetic radiation. The ratio is typically expressedin decibels-isotropic (dBi). Referring to FIG. 12 , when a parabolicsurface is under-illuminated, the feed pattern is tight and directive,thereby only illuminating the center of the parabolic surface.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in the case of over illumination of a parabolicsurface, radiation from the feed falls outside of the edges of theparabolic surface. This “spillover” of the feed is wasted, reducing thegain of the antenna and increasing the sidelobes of the radiationpattern, which represent unwanted radiation in undesired directions.Spillover may also cause the side lobes to pick up interfering signals,creating high system noise temperature which causes a decrease inperformance and aperture efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 14 , for most antenna feeds, the optimal illuminationis achieved when the power radiated by the feed horn is 10 dB less atthe edge of the dish than its maximum value at the center of the dish.In traditional antenna systems, a parabolic reflector and antenna may befitted for transmitting and receiving frequencies within a specificbandwidth (e.g., an L-band transmission may have a range of 1.0 to 2.0GHz) in order to achieve optimal illumination. This means that theantenna and parabolic surface are designed with a focal length todiameter ratio that creates optimal system gain at frequencies within adesired bandwidth. For example, a typical focal length to diameter ratiomay range from 0.3 to 0.4, depending on the desired bandwidth. However,these systems are static in that they cannot be adjusted to receive andtransmit frequencies at varying bandwidths while maintaining optimalillumination, without physically replacing the feed of the antenna.

In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased array system may useamplitude tapering to broaden an antenna beam, as discussed in furtherdetail below. Traditionally, phased array tapering has provided a methodto reduce antenna sidelobes at some expense to increasing the antennagain and the main lobe beam width. However, it is the object of thisinvention, in embodiments, to broaden the main lobe beam as much aspossible, such that the main lobe of the beam may be controlled anddirected to a plurality of frequencies within a plurality of bandwidthssimultaneously. Phased array tapering in accordance with embodiments ofthis invention may be used to apply a complex taper across the apertureto shape the sum main lobe beam based on mission requirements. Inembodiments, amplitude tapering through beam broadening tapering mayprovide a solution to the narrow applicability problem of traditionalantenna systems. In embodiments, the digitally beamformed array systemmay use beam broadening tapering to receive and transmit a plurality ofsignals having frequencies within a plurality of bandwidthssimultaneously. In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased arraysystem may use amplitude tapering to maximize beam broadening so as tooptimize performance of the system.

FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic illustrations of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed 210 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In embodiments, a wide area scanning parabolicapparatus 200 which implements the digitally beamformed phased arrayfeed 210 may receive or transmit frequencies having various transmissionbandwidths. In embodiments, for example, the digitally beamformed phasedarray feed 210 may receive and transmit L-band 102, C-band 104, andS-band 106 frequencies simultaneously. In embodiments, the digitallybeamformed phased array feed 210 may receive and transmit frequencies toand from a plurality of flight objects 108 (e.g., 4 in this example) atthe same time. In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased arrayfeed 210 may be fitted on an existing parabolic reflector system havinga parabolic reflector 114 and support pedestal 112. In embodiments, theparabolic reflector system may be operatively connected to a digitalsoftware system 704 via a pedestal controller 124. In embodiments,parabolic reflector system may receive and transmit angular directioninformation associated with the parabolic reflector system from thedigital software system 704 via the pedestal controller 124. Inembodiments, the pedestal controller 124 may be used to control themovement and rotation of the parabolic reflector system based on theangular direction information transmitted by the digital software system704.

FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed 210 in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention. In embodiments, the digitally beamformedphased array feed 210 may be implemented by a large form-factor phasedarray terminal 120 which includes a plurality of utilizing a pluralityof multi-band software defined antenna array tiles 110, which may beused to scale the scanning capabilities of the system. In embodiments,for example, the plurality of multi-band software defined antenna arraytiles 110 may receive and transmit a plurality of L-band 102, C-band104, and S-band 106 frequencies simultaneously. In embodiments, theplurality of multi-band software defined antenna array tiles 110 mayreceive and transmit frequencies to and from various flight objects 108at the same time.

FIGS. 2-2A is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed 210 in conjunction with a wide areascanning parabolic apparatus 200 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased arrayfeed 210 of the wide area scanning parabolic apparatus 200 may include amulti-band software defined antenna tile 110.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a system for a digitallybeamformed phased array feed 210 in conjunction with a large form-factorphased array 120 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. In embodiments, the large form-factor phased array 120 mayinclude the plurality of operatively connected multi-band softwaredefined antenna tiles 110. In embodiments, the large form-factor phasedarray 120, may for example, be 16 ft. 8 in. long and 6 ft. 8 in. wide.In embodiments, the large form-factor phased array 120 may be mounted ona flat rack 122.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross sectional view of a systemfor a digitally beamformed phased array feed 210 in conjunction with aparabolic reflector in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased array feed210 may include a radome 302, a multi-band software defined antenna tile110, a thermal management subsystem 308, and a power and clockmanagement subsystem 314.

In embodiments, the radome 302 may be configured to allowelectromagnetic waves to propagate through it. In embodiments the radome302 may be configured to protect the elements of the digitallybeamformed phased array feed system 210 from weather or other hazards.

In embodiments, the multi-band software defined antenna tile 110 mayinclude a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, aplurality of frequency converters 310, and a plurality of digitalbeamformers 306. In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole arrayelements 304 may be configured to receive and transmit a plurality ofrespective first modulated signals associated with a plurality ofrespective radio frequencies. In embodiments the plurality of coupleddipole array antenna elements may be tightly coupled relative to thewavelength of operation. In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipolearray antenna elements may be spaced at less than half a wavelength. Inembodiments, each coupled dipole array antenna element 304 may include aprincipal polarization component 304-P oriented in a first direction andan orthogonal polarization component 304-O oriented in a seconddirection.

In embodiments, a first pair of the frequency converters 310-1 of theplurality of frequency converters 310 may be operatively connected to arespective coupled dipole array element 304-1 of the plurality ofcoupled dipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments, the pluralityof frequency converters 310 may include a plurality of pairs offrequency converters 310. In embodiments, each pair of frequencyconverters 310-n of the plurality of pairs of frequency converters 310may include a principal polarization converter corresponding to arespective principal polarization component 310-P of a respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element 304-P, and an orthogonalpolarization converter 310-O corresponding to a respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of a respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element. In embodiments, a second pair of frequency converters310-2 of the plurality of frequency converters 310 may be operativelyconnected to a respective coupled dipole array element 304-2 of theplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments,the second pair of frequency converters 310-2 may include a principalpolarization converter 310-2P and an orthogonal polarization converter310-2O. In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters310 may include thermoelectric coolers which may be configured toactively manage thermally the system noise temperature and increase thesystem gain over temperature. In embodiments, each respective principalpolarization frequency converter 310-P and each respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter 310-O may include a thermoelectriccooler. In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters310 may further include a plurality of spatially distributed high-poweramplifiers so as to increase the effective isotropic radiated power. Inembodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachorthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured to receiverespective first modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna elements 304-n of the plurality of antennaelements 304. In embodiments, the respective radio frequencies may bebetween 900 MHz and 6000 MHz. In embodiments, the respective radiofrequencies may be between 2000 MHz and 12000 MHz. In embodiments, therespective radio frequencies may be between 10000 MHz and 50000 MHz.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured toconvert the respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies intorespective second modulated signals having a first intermediatefrequency. In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency may bebetween 50 MHz and 1250 MHz.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency may be associatedwith a mission center radio frequency. In embodiments, the missioncenter radio frequency may be a desired frequency of operation forreceiving and transmitting modulated signals associated with arespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. For example, inembodiments, a first antenna element 304-1 may correspond to a desiredfrequency of operation associated with a first mission center radiofrequency, and a second antenna element 304-2 may correspond to adesired frequency of operation associated with a second mission centerradio frequency. Referring to FIG. 19 , in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the mission center radio frequency associated with arespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304 may begin with stepS1902. At step S1902, in embodiments, the process may include receiving,from a digital software system interface 704 via a system controller 412by memory of the digitally beamformed phased array system 210, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the pluralityof respective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, the respectivemission center radio frequency. At step S1904, in embodiments, theprocess of obtaining the mission center radio frequency may continuewith step of storing, by memory operatively connected to the systemcontroller 412, the respective mission center radio frequency for therespective coupled dipole antenna array element 304-n. At step S1906, inembodiments, the process of obtaining the mission center radio frequencymay continue with the step of transporting, from the memory to therespective principal polarization frequency converter 310-P and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-O, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole array antenna element 304-n.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency may be arespective mission intermediate frequency corresponding to therespective mission center radio frequency. Referring to FIG. 20 , inembodiments, the process of obtaining the respective missionintermediate frequency associated with a respective antenna element 304may begin with step S2002. At step S2002, in embodiments, the processmay include receiving, from the digital software system interface 704via the system controller 412 by memory of the digitally beamformedphased array system 210, for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-n of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements 304, the respective mission intermediate frequency. Atstep S2004, in embodiments, the process of obtaining the missionintermediate frequency may continue with step of storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller 412, the respectivemission intermediate frequency for the respective coupled dipole antennaarray element 304-n. At step S2006, in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the mission intermediate frequency may continue with the stepof transporting, from the memory to the respective principalpolarization frequency converter 310-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter 310-O, the respective missionintermediate frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-n.

In embodiments, the plurality of digital beamformers 306 may beoperatively connected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters310 wherein each digital beamformer 306-n may be operatively connectedto one of the respective principal polarization converter 310-P and therespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O. In embodiments, eachdigital beamformer 306-n may be configured to receive the respectivesecond modulated signals associated with the first intermediatefrequency. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may beconfigured to convert the respective second modulated signal from ananalog signal to a digital data format. In embodiments, the digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to convert the respective secondmodulated signal from an analog signal to a digital data format byperforming First-Nyquist sampling. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to generate a plurality of channelsof the digital data by decimation of the digital data using a polyphasechannelizer and filter using a plurality of cascaded halfband filters.In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured toselect one of the plurality of channels. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to select one of the plurality ofchannels using a multiplexer. In embodiments, the multiplexer selectionmay be provided by the system controller 412.

Referring to FIG. 21 , in embodiments, the process of selecting arespective channel may begin with step S2102. At step 2102, inembodiments, the process may include receiving, from the digitalsoftware system interface 704 via the system controller 412 by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system 210, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements 304, the respective channel selection. At stepS2104, in embodiments, the process of selecting the respective channelmay continue with step of storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller 412, the respective mission channel selection forthe respective principal polarization component 310-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 310-O of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element 304-n. At step S2106, in embodiments, the processof selecting the respective channel may continue with step oftransporting, the respective channel selection for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n. In embodiments, the respective channel selectionmay be associated with a respective tuner channel frequency. Inembodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency may correspond tothe respective mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to applya first weighting factor to the digital data associated with theselected one of the plurality of channels to generate a firstintermediate partial beamformed data stream. In embodiments, arespective weighting factor may be a part of an array of weightingfactors. Referring to FIG. 22 , in embodiments, the process of obtainingthe respective weighting factor may begin with step S2202. At stepS2202, in embodiments, the process may include receiving, from thedigital software system interface 704 via the system controller 412 bymemory of the digitally beamformed array system 210, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements 304, the respective weighting factor. Inembodiments, the array of weighting factors may be generated using abeam broadening tapering formula. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may calculate and generate the array of weightingfactors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor θ^(steer) associatedwith each position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontalposition m and a vertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n and θ^(cal) is acalibration phase factor associated with each position in the antennaarray expressed as a horizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, each respective weighting factor may be generated usinga beam broadening tapering formula. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may calculate and generate the respective weightingfactor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter. In embodiments, the respective tuning parameter and therespective power parameter may be applied by the beam broadeningtapering formula in the two-dimensional x-y direction of the taperingplane in order to tune the respective digital data or respectivetransmit digital data to be specific to the desired frequency ofoperation (e.g., L-band, S-band, and/or C-band, to name a few) for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. In embodiments,the respective tuning parameter and the respective power parameter maybe applied by the beam broadening tapering formula in order to the tunethe respective digital data based on the geometry of the parabolicsurface that the digitally beamformed phased array system 210 may beapplied to. In embodiments, by applying the beam broadening taperingformula above to generate the respective weighting factors, the system210 may achieve maximum amplitude beam broadening for receiving andtransmitting a plurality of modulated signals within any desiredbandwidth simultaneously.

In embodiments, for example, FIGS. 15-16 depicts exemplarytwo-dimensional beam amplitude tapering plots illustrating beamamplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system 210 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, byapplying the beam broadening taper seen in FIG. 15B to the respectivebeam, the sum of the respective main lobe beam may be shaped so as tomaximize the central lobe width of the main beam. Referring to FIG. 15A,by applying a uniform beam taper to the respective beam, the centrallobe width of the main beam is drastically reduced compared to the beambroadening taper. Similarly, FIG. 16B depicts an exemplarythree-dimensional beam amplitude tapering plot illustrating beamamplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system 210 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments,the uniform taper depicted by FIG. 16A shows a drastically reduced maincentral lobe width compared to the sum beam pattern created by the beambroadening taper in FIG. 16B. FIG. 17 depicts exemplary beam amplitudetapering plots illustrating beam amplitude tapering by a digitallybeamformed phased array system with respect to the application of auniform taper to a respective beam 1702, and the application of a beambroadening taper 1704 to the respective beam. In embodiments, the beambroadening taper 1704 creates greater Fairfield directivity relative tothe respective geometry of the respective parabolic surface than theuniform taper 1702.

At step S2204, in embodiments, the process of obtaining the respectiveweighting factor may continue with the step of storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller 412, the respectiveweighting factor for the respective principal polarization component304-P and the respective orthogonal polarization component 304-O of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the pluralityof respective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304. At step S2206,in embodiments, the process of obtaining the respective weighting factormay continue with the step of transporting, from the memory to therespective digital beamformer 306-n, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray antenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may receive specific mission parameters (e.g., therespective mission center radio frequency, the respective missionintermediate frequency, and/or the respective channel selection, to namea few) for the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements as aninput. In embodiments, the digital software system interface 704 may usethe specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured tocombine the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream with theplurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a first partial beamformed data stream. In embodiments, eachdigital beamformer 306-n may be configured to apply an oscillatingsignal to the first partial beamformed data stream to generate a firstoscillating partial beamformed data stream. In embodiments, theoscillating signal may be provided by the system controller 412.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal may be associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency. Referring to FIG. 23 , inembodiments, the process of obtaining the respective oscillating signalfrequency may begin with step S2302. At step S2302, in embodiments, theprocess of obtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency mayinclude receiving, from the digital software system interface 704 viathe system controller 412 by memory of the digitally beamformed phasedarray system 210, for the respective principal polarization component304-P and the respective orthogonal polarization component 304-O of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the pluralityof respective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency. At step S2304, in embodiments, the processof obtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency may continuewith the step of storing, by memory operatively connected to the systemcontroller 412, the respective oscillating signal frequency for therespective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray element 304-n. At step S2306, in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency may continue withthe step of transporting, from the memory to the respective digitalbeamformer 306-n, the respective oscillating signal frequency for therespective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray element 304-n. In embodiments, the respective oscillating signalfrequency may correspond to the respective tuner channel frequency. Inembodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments,the digital software system interface 704 may receive specific missionparameters (e.g., the respective mission center radio frequency, therespective mission intermediate frequency, and/or the respective channelselection, to name a few) for respective coupled dipole array antennaelements 304 as an input, the digital software system interface 704 mayuse the specific mission parameters to generate the respectiveoscillating signal frequency.

FIG. 18 is a table illustrating exemplary mission parameters used by adigitally beamformed phased array feed system in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, for example, themission center radio frequency (e.g., 4,398 MHz) may be received as amission parameter via the system controller 412 corresponding to arespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. Continuing thisexample, in embodiments, a local oscillator having a respective localoscillator frequency (e.g., 4,900 MHz) may be selected via the systemcontroller 412. In embodiments, the mission intermediate frequency(e.g., 502 MHz) may be received as a mission parameter via the systemcontroller 412 corresponding to the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n. In embodiments, the mission intermediatefrequency value may be dependent on the other mission parametersreceived with respect the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-n (e.g., mission center radio frequency, local oscillatorselection, to name a few). In embodiments, the tuner channel selection(e.g., 3) provided by the multiplexer and corresponding to a tunerchannel frequency (e.g., 468.75 MHz) may be received as a missionparameter via the system controller 412 corresponding to the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. In embodiments, the tunerchannel frequency may be dependent on the other mission parametersreceived with respect the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-n (e.g., mission center radio frequency, local oscillatorselection, mission intermediate frequency, to name a few). Inembodiments, the oscillating signal frequency (e.g., 33.25 MHz)corresponding to the oscillating signal may be received as a missionparameter via the system controller 412 corresponding to the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. In embodiments, theoscillating signal frequency may be provided to a numerically controlledoscillator. In embodiments, the numerically controlled oscillator may beused to apply the oscillating signal as an offset frequency value basedon the tuner channel selection to the first partial beamformed datastream. In embodiments, the oscillating signal frequency may bedependent on the other mission parameters received with respect to therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to applya three-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformeddata stream. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may beconfigured to apply a time delay to the first filtered partialbeamformed data stream to generate a first partial beam. In embodiments,each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to transmit the firstpartial beam along with a first set of a plurality of other partialbeams of the first beam to a digital software system interface 704 via adata transport bus 702. In embodiments, each digital beamformer may beconfigured to transmit the first partial beam of the first beam alongwith a second set of a plurality of other partial beams of a second beamto the digital software system interface 704 via the data transport bus702.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may have a transmit modeof operation associated with converting a plurality of transmit digitaldata from a digital signal to an analog signal having a plurality ofrespective intermediate frequencies. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to operate in the transmit mode ofoperation before operating in the receive mode of operation. Inembodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to operateonly in the receive mode of operation. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to operate only in the transmit modeof operation. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may beconfigured to receive the first partial beam of the first beam alongwith the first set of the plurality of other partial beams of the firstbeam from the digital software system interface 704 via the datatransport bus 702. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may beconfigured to receive the first partial beam of the first beam alongwith the second set of a plurality of other beams of the second beamfrom the digital software system interface 704 via the data transportbus 702. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configuredto apply a second weighting factor to first transmit digital dataassociated with the first partial beam of the first beam selected beamof the plurality of beams. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-nmay be configured to transmit the first transmit digital data to a firstdigital to analog converter. In embodiments, each digital beamformer306-n may be configured to convert, using the first digital to analogconverter, the first transmit digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having the first intermediate frequency. In embodiments,each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to convert, using thefirst digital to analog converter, the first transmit digital data froma digital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may have a transmitmode of operation associated with transmitting respective modulatedsignals associated with a plurality of radio frequencies. Inembodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured tooperate in the transmit mode of operation before operating in thereceive mode of operation. In embodiments, each principal polarizationconverter 310-P and each respective orthogonal polarization converter310-O may be configured to operate only in the receive mode ofoperation. In embodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-Pand each respective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may beconfigured to operate only in the transmit mode of operation. Inembodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured toreceive respective third modulated signals associated with the firstintermediate frequency from the respective digital beamformer 306-n ofthe plurality of digital beamformers 306. In embodiments, each principalpolarization converter 310-P and each respective orthogonal polarizationconverter 310-O may be configured to convert the respective thirdmodulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequency intorespective fourth modulated signals having a radio frequency. Inembodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured totransmit the respective fourth modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies fromeach principal polarization converter 310-P and each respectiveorthogonal polarization converter 310-O of the respective pair offrequency converters 310-n of the plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters 310 to each principal polarization component and eachorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n of the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements 304.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured toreceive a third partial beam of a third beam along with a third set of aplurality of other partial beams of the third beam from the digitalsoftware system 704 interface via the data transport bus 702. Inembodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be configured to receivethe third partial beam of the third beam along with a fourth set of aplurality of other beams of a fourth beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus. In embodiments, eachdigital beamformer 306-n may be configured to apply a second weightingfactor to second transmit digital data associated with the third partialbeam of the third beam. In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-nmay be configured to transmit the second transmit digital data to asecond digital to analog converter. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to convert, using the second digitalto analog converter, the second transmit digital data from a digitalsignal to an analog signal having a second intermediate frequency. Inembodiments, the second intermediate frequency may be between 50 MHz and1250 MHz. In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency may be thesame as the first intermediate frequency. In embodiments, each digitalbeamformer 306-n may be configured to convert, using the second digitalto analog converter, the second digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency by performingFirst-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured toreceive respective fifth modulated signals associated with the secondintermediate frequency from the respective digital beamformer 306-n ofthe plurality of digital beamformers 306. In embodiments, each principalpolarization converter 310-P and each respective orthogonal polarizationconverter 310-O may be configured to convert the respective fifthmodulated signals associated with the second intermediate frequency intorespective sixth modulated signals having a radio frequency. Inembodiments, each principal polarization converter 310-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter 310-O may be configured totransmit the respective sixth modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies fromeach principal polarization converter 310-P and each respectiveorthogonal polarization converter 310-O of the respective pair offrequency converters 310-n of the plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters 310 to each principal polarization component 304-P and eachorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipoleantenna element 304-n of the plurality of coupled dipole antennaelements 304.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element 304-n may havea transmit mode of operation associated with transmitting a plurality ofrespective radio frequencies. In embodiments, each principalpolarization component 304-P and each respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent 304-O may be configured to operate in the transmit mode ofoperation before operating in the receive mode of operation. Inembodiments, each principal polarization component 304-P and eachrespective orthogonal polarization component 304-O may be configured tooperate only in the receive mode of operation. In embodiments, eachprincipal polarization component 304-P and each respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O may be configured to operate only in thetransmit mode of operation. In embodiments, each principal polarizationcomponent 304-P and each respective orthogonal polarization component304-O of the respective coupled dipole antenna array element 304-n maybe configured to transmit the respective sixth modulated signalsassociated with the respective radio frequencies of the plurality ofradio frequencies.

In embodiments, the power and clock management subsystem 314 may beconfigured to manage power and time of operation.

In embodiments the thermal management subsystem 308 may be configured todissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antennaarray tile 110.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-band software definedantenna array tile 110 in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In embodiments, the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile 110 may receive a plurality of radio frequencies via a plurality ofantenna elements 304 in a wide band feed (S4000). In embodiments, aradio frequency frontend system including a plurality of pairs offrequency converters 310 may receive the radio frequencies. Inembodiments, the radio frequency frontend may convert the respectiveradio frequencies into a first intermediate frequency (S4001). Inembodiments, a common digital beamformer 306 may receive the firstintermediate frequency from the radio frequency frontend. Inembodiments, the common digital beamformer 306 may generate a firstpartial beam (S4002), which may be transmitted to an external digitalsoftware system interface 704 along with a plurality of other partialbeams (S4003). In embodiments, the external digital software systeminterface 704 may include a Government Furnish Equipment (GFE)application 408, GFE control 410, and a system controller 412.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile 110 in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. In embodiments, the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile 110 may include a plurality of antennaelements 304, a sub-array circuit card assembly (sub-array CCA) 702, atop plate 504, a plurality of mini low noise channelizer circuit cardassemblies (mLNC) 704, a local oscillator/calibration circuit cardassembly (LO/CAL) 706, a top plate 504, an mLNC rack 506, a base plate512, an RF node common digital beamformer 306, and a common digitalbeamformer 510. In embodiments, for example, the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile 110 may include 8 mLNCs.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the radiofrequency system of a multi-band software defined antenna array tile 110in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments,the radio frequency system may include the plurality of antenna elements304, the sub array circuit card assembly (sub-array CCA) 702, theplurality of mini low noise channelizer circuit card assemblies (mLNC)704, and the local oscillator/calibration circuit card assembly (LO/CAL)706. In embodiments, the sub-array CCA 702 may accept input modulatedsignals associated with respective radio frequencies from the pluralityof antenna elements 304 and forms sub-arrays of the modulated signals tobe output to the plurality of mLNCs 704. In embodiments, for example, ifthe radio frequency includes 64 antenna elements, the sub-array CCA 702may receive 64 radio frequency input signals from the respective antennaelements 304. In embodiments, the plurality of mLNCs 704 may receive thesub-arrays of the modulated signals from the sub-array CCA 702 and mayconvert the modulated signals associated with respective radiofrequencies into modulated signals having an intermediate frequency. Inembodiments, the plurality of mLNCs 704 may output the modulated signalshaving an intermediate frequency to the LO/CAL 706. In embodiments, theLO/CAL 706 may take a 100 MHz reference oscillator and creates localoscillator and calibration signals and distribute the signals to theeach of the respective modulated signals having an intermediatefrequency received from the respective mLNCs 704. In embodiments, theLO/CAL 706 may pass through the respective modulated signals having anintermediate frequency to the digital beamformer 306. In embodiments,the LO/CAL 706 may provide power to the radio frequency system of themulti-band software defined antenna array tile 110.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile 110 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. FIG. 8 is schematic diagram of a process flow of asystem for a digitally beamformed phased array feed 310 in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagramof a process flow of a system for a digitally beamformed phased arrayfeed 210 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIGS.24A-D are schematic diagrams for process flows of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed 210 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and24A-D together, in embodiments, the method for digital beamforming mayinclude, at step S2400 of FIG. 24A, receiving, by a first coupled dipolearray antenna element 304-1 of a plurality coupled dipole array antennaelements 304 of a multi-band software defined digital antenna array tile110, a plurality of respective modulated signals associated with aplurality of respective radio frequencies (see also step S7000 of FIG. 7). In embodiments, the method may further include, prior to thereceiving step (a), the steps of: reflecting from a surface of aparabolic reflector 114 mounted on a support pedestal 112, the pluralityof respective modulated signals and transmitting the reflected pluralityof respective modulated signals through a radome 302 to the firstcoupled dipole array antenna element 304-1 of the plurality of coupleddipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments, each coupled dipolearray antenna element 304-n of the plurality of coupled dipole arrayantenna elements 304 may include a respective principal polarizationcomponent 304-P oriented in a first direction and a respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O oriented in a second direction.In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements304 may be tightly coupled relative to the wavelength of operation. Inembodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements 304may be spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, at step 2402A of FIG. 24A, the method may includereceiving, by a first principal polarization frequency converter 310-1Pof a first pair of frequency converters 310-1 of a plurality offrequency converters 310 of the multi-band software defined digitalantenna array tile 110, from a first principal polarization component304-1P of the first coupled dipole array antenna element 304-1 of theplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements 304 respective firstmodulated signals associated with the respective radio frequencies ofthe plurality of radio frequencies (see also step S7001 of FIG. 7 ). Inembodiments, each pair of frequency converters 310-n of the plurality ofpairs of frequency converters 310 may be operatively connected to arespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. In embodiments,each pair of frequency converters 310-n of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters 310 may include a respective principal polarizationconverter 310-P corresponding to a respective principal polarizationcomponent 304-P and a respective orthogonal polarization converter 310-Ocorresponding to a respective orthogonal polarization component 304-O.

In embodiments, the method may further include receiving, by a secondpair of frequency converters 310-2 of the multi-band software defineddigital antenna array tile 110, from a second coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-2 of the plurality of antenna elements 304,respective modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies. In embodiments, eachone of the principal polarization frequency converter 310-2P and theorthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-2O of the second pair offrequency converters 310-2 may be operatively connected to a respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-2P and a respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-2O of the second coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-2 of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements304.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters 310 mayinclude thermoelectric coolers which may be configured to activelymanage thermally the system noise temperature and increase the systemgain over temperature. In embodiments, each respective principalpolarization frequency converter 310-P and each orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter 310-O may include a thermoelectric cooler. Inembodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters may furtherinclude a plurality of spatially distributed high-power amplifiers so asto increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, at step 2404A of FIG. 24A, the method may includeconverting, by the first principal polarization frequency converter310-1P of the first pair of frequency converters 310-1, the respectivefirst modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequenciesof the plurality of radio frequencies into respective second modulatedsignals having a first intermediate frequency (see also step S7002 ofFIG. 7 ). In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency may bebetween 50 MHz and 1250. In embodiments, the radio frequencies may bebetween 900 MHz and 6000 MHz. In embodiments, the radio frequencies maybe between 2000 MHz and 12000 MHz. In embodiments, the radio frequenciesmay be between 10000 MHz and 50000 MHz.

In embodiments, at step 2406A of FIG. 24A, the method may includereceiving, by a first digital beamformer 306-1 of a plurality of digitalbeamformers 306 of the multi-band software defined digital antenna arraytile 110 from the first principal polarization frequency converter310-1P, the respective second modulated signals associated with thefirst intermediate frequency (see also step S9001 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Inembodiments, the plurality of digital beamformers 306 may be operativelyconnected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters 310. Inembodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may be operatively connectedto one of the respective principal polarization frequency converter310-P and the respective orthogonal polarization frequency converter310-O.

In embodiments, at step 2408A of FIG. 24A, the method may includeconverting, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, the respective secondmodulated signal from an analog signal to a digital data format (seealso step S9002 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, the method mayfurther include converting, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, therespective modulated signal from an analog signal to a digital dataformat by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, at step 2410A of FIG. 24A, the method may includegenerating, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, a first plurality ofchannels of first digital data by decimating the first digital datausing a first polyphase channelizer and filtering using a firstplurality of cascaded halfband filters (see also step S9003 of FIGS. 8and 9 ). In embodiments, at step 2412A of FIG. 24B, the method mayinclude selecting, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, a firstchannel of the first plurality of channels (see also step S9004 of FIGS.8 and 9 ). In embodiments, the method may include selecting, by thefirst digital beamformer 306-1, the first channel of the first pluralityof channels using a first multiplexer. In embodiments, the multiplexerselection may be provided by a system controller 412, discussed infurther detail below with respect to FIG. 21 . In embodiments, at step2414A of FIG. 24B, the method may include applying, by the first digitalbeamformer 306-1, a first weighting factor to the first digital dataassociated with the first channel to generate a first intermediatepartial beamformed data stream (see also step S9005 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ).In embodiments, at step 2416A of FIG. 24B, the method may furtherinclude combining, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, the firstintermediate partial beamformed data stream with the plurality of otherintermediate partial beamformed data streams to generate a first partialbeamformed data stream (see also step S9006 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Inembodiments, at step 2418A of FIG. 24B, the method may include applying,by the first digital beamformer 306-1, a first oscillating signal to thefirst partial beamformed data stream to generate a first oscillatingpartial beamformed data stream (see also step S9007 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ).In embodiments, the oscillating signal may be provided by the systemcontroller 412, as discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG. 23 . In embodiments, the method may include, at step 2420A of FIG.24B, applying, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, a firstthree-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformed data stream(see also step S9008 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step 2422Aof FIG. 24B, the method may include applying, by the first digitalbeamformer 306-1, a first time delay to the first filtered partialbeamformed data stream to generate a first partial beam (see also stepS9009 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step 2424A of FIG. 24B, themethod may further include transmitting, by the first digital beamformervia a data transport bus 702 to a digital software system interface 704,the first partial beam of a first beam, which may be transmitted via thedata transport bus 702 along with a first set of a plurality of otherpartial beams of the first beam (see also step S9010 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ).In embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, by thefirst digital beamformer 306-1 via the data transport bus 702 to thedigital software system interface 704, the first partial beam of thefirst beam, which may be transmitted via the data transport bus 702along with a second set of a plurality of other partial beams of asecond beam.

In embodiments, at step S2402B of FIG. 24C, after the step of receivingthe plurality of respective modulated signals associated with theplurality of respective radio frequencies, the method may furtherinclude receiving, by a first orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter 310-1O of the first pair of frequency converters 310-1 of theplurality of pairs of frequency converters 310 of the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile 110, from a first orthogonalpolarization component 304-1O of the first coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-1 of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements304, respective third modulated signals associated with the respectiveradio frequencies of the plurality of respective radio frequencies (seealso step S9001 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step 2404B ofFIG. 24C, the method may further include converting, by the firstorthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-1O of the first pair offrequency converters 310-1, the respective third modulated signalsassociated with the respective radio frequencies of the plurality offrequencies into respective fourth modulated signals having the firstintermediate frequency (see also step S9002 of FIGS. 8 and 9 ).

In embodiments, at step S2406B of FIG. 24C, the method may furtherinclude receiving, by a second digital beamformer 306-2 of a pluralityof digital beamformers 306 of the multi-band software defined digitalantenna array tile 110, from the first orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter 310-1O of the first pair of frequency converters 310-1, therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the firstintermediate frequency (see also step S9001A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Inembodiments, the plurality of digital beamformers 306 may be operativelyconnected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters 310 and eachdigital beamformer 306-n may be operatively connected to one of arespective principal polarization frequency converter 310-P and arespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-O.

In embodiments, at step S2408B of FIG. 24C, the method may includeconverting, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, the respectivefourth modulated signal from an analog signal to a digital data format(see also step S9002A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, the method mayfurther include converting, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, therespective modulated signal from an analog signal to a digital dataformat by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, at step S2410B of FIG. 24C, the method may includegenerating, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, a second pluralityof channels of second digital data by decimating the second digital datausing a second polyphase channelizer and filtering using a secondplurality of cascaded halfband filters (at step S9003A of FIGS. 8 and 9). In embodiments, at step S2412B of FIG. 24D, the method may includeselecting, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, a second channel ofthe second plurality of channels (see also S9004A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Inembodiments, the method may include selecting, by the second digitalbeamformer 306-2, the second channel of the second plurality of channelsusing a second multiplexer. In embodiments, the multiplexer selectionmay be provided by the system controller 412, as discussed in furtherdetail below with respect to FIG. 21 . In embodiments, the secondchannel selection may be the same as the first channel selection. Inembodiments, at step S2414B of FIG. 24D, the method may includeapplying, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, a second weightingfactor to the second digital data associated with the second channel togenerate a second intermediate partial beamform data stream (see alsostep S9005A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step S2416B of FIG.24D, the method may further include combining, by the second digitalbeamformer 306-2, the second intermediate partial beamformed data streamwith the plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streamsto generate a second partial beamformed data stream (see also stepS9006A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step S2418B of FIG. 24D,the method may include applying, by the second digital beamformer 306-2,a second oscillating signal to the second partial beamformed data streamto generate a second oscillating partial beamformed data stream (seealso step S9007A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, the secondoscillating signal may be provided by the system controller 412, asdiscussed in further detail below with respect to FIG. 23 . Inembodiments, the second oscillating signal may be the same as the firstoscillating signal. In embodiments, the method may include, at stepS2420B of FIG. 24D, applying, by the second digital beamformer 306-2, asecond three-stage halfband filter to the second oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a second filtered partial beamformeddata stream (see also step S9008A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, atstep S2422B of FIG. 24D, the method may include applying, by the seconddigital beamformer 306-2, a second time delay to the second filteredpartial beamformed data stream to generate a second partial beam (seealso step S9009A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, at step S2424B ofFIG. 24D, the method may further include transmitting, by the seconddigital beamformer via the data transport bus 702 to the digitalsoftware system interface 704, the second partial beam of the firstbeam, which may be transmitted via the data transport bus 702 along witha third set of a plurality of other partial beams of the first beam (seealso step S9010A of FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In embodiments, the method mayfurther include transmitting, by the second digital beamformer via thedata transport bus 702 to the digital software system interface 704, thesecond partial beam of the second beam, which may be transmitted via thedata transport bus 702 along with a fourth set of a plurality of otherpartial beams of the second beam.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer 306-n may have a transmit modeof operation. In embodiments, the method may further include receiving,by the first digital beamformer 306-1, the first partial beam of thefirst beam along with the first set of the plurality of other partialbeams of the first beam from the digital software system interface 704via the data transport bus 702. In embodiments, the method may furtherinclude receiving, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, the firstpartial beam of the first beam along with the second set of a pluralityof other beams of the second beam from the digital software systeminterface 704 via the data transport bus 702. In embodiments, the methodmay further include applying, by the first digital beamformer 306-1, athird weighting factor to first transmit digital data associated withthe first partial beam of the first beam of the plurality of beams. Inembodiments, the method may further include transmitting, by the firstdigital beamformer 306-1, the first transmit digital data to a firstdigital to analog converter. In embodiments, the method may furtherinclude converting, by the first digital to analog converter of thefirst digital beamformer 306-1, the respective modulated signal from adigital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency. In embodiments, the method may further include converting, bythe first digital to analog converter of the first digital beamformer306-1, the respective modulated signal from a digital signal to ananalog signal having the first intermediate frequency by performingFirst-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each pair of frequency converters 310-n may have atransmit mode of operation. In embodiments, the method may furtherinclude receiving, by one of the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter 310-1P and the respective orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter 310-1O of the first pair of frequency converters310-1, respective modulated signals associated with the firstintermediate frequency from the first digital beamformer 306-1. Inembodiments, the method may further include converting, by one of therespective principal polarization frequency converter 310-1P and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-1O of thefirst pair of frequency converters 310-1, the respective modulatedsignals associated with the first intermediate frequency into respectivemodulated signals having a radio frequency. In embodiments, the methodmay further include transmitting, by one of the respective principalpolarization frequency converter 310-1P and the respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter 310-1O of the first pair of frequencyconverters 310-1, respective modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies fromthe first pair of frequency converters 310-1 of the plurality of pairsof frequency converters 310 to the first coupled dipole array antennaelement 304-1 of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements304.

In embodiments, the method may further include receiving, by a thirddigital beamformer 306-3, a third partial beam of a third beam alongwith a fifth set of a plurality of other partial beams of the third beamfrom the digital software system 704 interface via the data transportbus 702. In embodiments, the method may further include receiving, bythe third digital beamformer 306-3, the third partial beam of the thirdbeam along with a sixth set of a plurality of other beams of a fourthbeam from the digital software system interface 704 via the datatransport bus 702. In embodiments, the method may further includeapplying, by the third digital beamformer 306-3, a fourth weightingfactor to second transmit digital data associated with the third partialbeam of the third beam. In embodiments, the method may further includetransmitting, by the third digital beamformer, the second transmitdigital data to a second digital to analog converter. In embodiments,the method may further include converting, using the second digital toanalog converter of the third digital beamformer 306-3, the respectivemodulated signal from a digital signal to an analog signal having asecond intermediate frequency. In embodiments, the second intermediatefrequency may be between 50 MHz and 1250 MHz. In embodiments, the secondintermediate frequency may be same as the first intermediate frequency.In embodiments, the method may further include converting, using thesecond digital to analog converter of the third digital beamformer306-3, the respective modulated signal from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency by performingFirst-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each pair of frequency converters 310-n may have atransmit mode of operation. In embodiments, the method may furtherinclude receiving, by one of the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter 310-2P and the respective orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter 310-2O of the second pair of frequency converters310-2, respective modulated signals associated with the secondintermediate frequency from the third digital beamformer 306-3 of theplurality of digital beamformers 306. In embodiments, the method mayfurther include converting, by one of the respective principalpolarization frequency converter 310-2P and the respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter 310-2O of the second pair of frequencyconverters 310-2, the respective modulated signals associated with thesecond intermediate frequency into respective modulated signals having aradio frequency. In embodiments, the method may further includetransmitting, by one of the respective principal polarization frequencyconverter 310-2P and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter 310-2O of the second pair of frequency converters 310-2,respective modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from the second pairof frequency converters 310-2 of the plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters 310 to a second coupled dipole antenna element 304-2 of theplurality of coupled dipole antenna elements 304.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element 304-n may havea transmit mode of operation. In embodiments, the method may furtherinclude transmitting, by the second coupled dipole antenna array element304-n, the plurality of respective modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency may be associatedwith a respective mission center radio frequency. Referring to FIG. 19 ,in embodiments, the process of obtaining the mission center radiofrequency associated with a respective antenna coupled dipole arrayelement 304 may begin with step S1902. At step S1902, in embodiments,the process may include receiving, from a digital software systeminterface 704 via the system controller 412 by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system 210, for the respective coupled dipolearray antenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements 304, the respective mission center radiofrequency. At step S1904, in embodiments, the process of obtaining themission center radio frequency may continue with step of storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller 412, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element 304-n. At step S1906, in embodiments, theprocess of obtaining the mission center radio frequency may continuewith the step of transporting, from the memory to the respectiveprincipal polarization frequency converter 310-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-O, the respectivemission center radio frequency for the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency may be a missionintermediate frequency corresponding to the mission center radiofrequency. Referring to FIG. 20 , in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the mission intermediate frequency associated with arespective antenna element 304 may begin with step S2002. At step S2002,in embodiments, the process may include receiving, from the digitalsoftware system interface 704 via the system controller 412 by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system 210, for the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, the respectivemission intermediate frequency. At step S2004, in embodiments, theprocess of obtaining the mission intermediate frequency may continuewith step of storing, by memory operatively connected to the systemcontroller 412, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole antenna array element 304-n. At step S1906, inembodiments, the process of obtaining the mission intermediate frequencymay continue with the step of transporting, from the memory to therespective principal polarization frequency converter 310-P and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter 310-O, therespective mission intermediate frequency for the respective coupleddipole array antenna element 304-n.

Referring to FIG. 21 , in embodiments, the process of selecting arespective channel may begin with step S2102. At step 2102, inembodiments, the process may include receiving, from the digitalsoftware system interface 704 via the system controller 412 by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system 210, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements 304, the respective channel selection. At stepS2104, in embodiments, the process of selecting the respective channelmay continue with step of storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller 412, the respective mission channel selection forthe respective principal polarization component 310-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 310-O of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element 304-n. At step S2106, in embodiments, the processof selecting the respective channel may continue with step oftransporting, the respective channel selection for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n. In embodiments, the respective channel selectionmay be associated with a respective tuner channel frequency. Inembodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency may correspond tothe respective mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor may be part of an array ofweighting factors. Referring to FIG. 22 , in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the respective weighting factor may begin with step S2202. Atstep S2202, in embodiments, the process may include receiving, from thedigital software system interface 704 via the system controller 412 bymemory of the digitally beamformed array system 210, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component 304-P and the respective orthogonalpolarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupled dipolearray antenna elements 304, the respective weighting factor. Inembodiments, the array of weighting factors may be generated using abeam broadening tapering formula. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may calculate and generate the array of weightingfactors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor θ^(steer) associatedwith each position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontalposition m and a vertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n and θ^(cal) is acalibration phase factor associated with each position in the antennaarray expressed as a horizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, each respective weighting factor may be generated usinga beam broadening tapering formula. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may calculate and generate the respective weightingfactor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter. In embodiments, the respective tuning parameter and therespective power parameter may be applied by the beam broadeningtapering formula in the two-dimensional x-y direction of the taperingplane in order to tune the respective digital data or respectivetransmit digital data to be specific to the desired frequency ofoperation (e.g., L-band, S-band, and/or C-band, to name a few) for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n. In embodiments,the respective tuning parameter and the respective power parameter maybe applied by the beam broadening tapering formula in order to the tunethe respective digital data based on the geometry of the parabolicsurface that the digitally beamformed phased array system 210 may beapplied to. In embodiments, by applying the beam broadening taperingformula above to generate the respective weighting factors, the system210 may achieve maximum amplitude beam broadening for receiving andtransmitting a plurality of modulated signals within any desiredbandwidth simultaneously.

In embodiments, for example, FIGS. 15-16 depicts exemplarytwo-dimensional beam amplitude tapering plots illustrating beamamplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system 210 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, byapplying the beam broadening taper seen in FIG. 15B to the respectivebeam, the sum of the respective main lobe beam may be shaped so as tomaximize the central lobe width of the main beam. Referring to FIG. 15A,by applying a uniform beam taper to the respective beam, the centrallobe width of the main beam is drastically reduced compared to the beambroadening taper. Similarly, FIG. 16B depicts an exemplarythree-dimensional beam amplitude tapering plot illustrating beamamplitude tapering by a digitally beamformed phased array system 210 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments,the uniform taper depicted by FIG. 16A shows a drastically reduced maincentral lobe width compared to the sum beam pattern created by the beambroadening taper shown in FIG. 16B. FIG. 17 depicts exemplary beamamplitude tapering plots illustrating beam amplitude tapering by adigitally beamformed phased array system with respect to the applicationof a uniform taper to a respective beam, and the application of a beambroadening taper to the respective beam. In embodiments, the beambroadening taper creates greater Fairfield directivity relative to therespective geometry of the respective parabolic surface than the uniformtaper.

At step S2204, in embodiments, the process of obtaining the respectiveweighting factor may continue with the step of storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller 412, the respectiveweighting factor for the respective principal polarization component304-P and the respective orthogonal polarization component 304-O of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the pluralityof respective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304. At step S2206,in embodiments, the process of obtaining the respective weighting factormay continue with the step of transporting, from the memory to therespective digital beamformer 306-n, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray antenna element 304-n of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments, the digital softwaresystem interface 704 may receive specific mission parameters (e.g., therespective mission center radio frequency, the respective missionintermediate frequency, and/or the respective channel selection, to namea few) for the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements as aninput. In embodiments, the digital software system interface 704 may usethe specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal may be associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency. Referring to FIG. 23 , inembodiments, the process of obtaining the respective oscillating signalfrequency may begin with step S2302. At step S2302, in embodiments, theprocess of obtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency mayinclude receiving, from the digital software system interface 704 viathe system controller 412 by memory of the digitally beamformed phasedarray system 210, for the respective principal polarization component304-P and the respective orthogonal polarization component 304-O of therespective coupled dipole array antenna element 304-n of the pluralityof respective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency. At step S2304, in embodiments, the processof obtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency may continuewith the step of storing, by memory operatively connected to the systemcontroller 412, the respective oscillating signal frequency for therespective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray element 304-n. At step S2306, in embodiments, the process ofobtaining the respective oscillating signal frequency may continue withthe step of transporting, from the memory to the respective digitalbeamformer 306-n, the respective oscillating signal frequency for therespective principal polarization component 304-P and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component 304-O of the respective coupled dipolearray element 304-n. In embodiments, the respective oscillating signalfrequency may correspond to the respective tuner channel frequency. Inembodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements 304. In embodiments,the digital software system interface 704 may receive specific missionparameters (e.g., the respective mission center radio frequency, therespective mission intermediate frequency, and/or the respective channelselection, to name a few) for respective coupled dipole array antennaelements 304 as an input, the digital software system interface 704 mayuse the specific mission parameters to generate the respectiveoscillating signal frequency.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a system for adigitally beamformed phased array feed in conjunction with a largeform-factor phased array in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In embodiments, the method for digital beamforming describedwith respect to FIGS. 7-9 may be repeated so as to combine a pluralityof partial beams 900-n systolically in order to create a plurality ofbeams.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of amulti-band software defined antenna array tile 110 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, the components ofthe multi-band software defined antenna array tile 110 may include aplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements 304, a plurality ofradio frequency support subsystems 1002, and a plurality of commondigital beamformers 1004, and a plurality of system support subsystems1006. In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements 304 may have capabilities such as sub-arraying, dual linearpolarizations, and a 6:1 bandwidth. In embodiments, the plurality ofradio frequency support subsystems 1002 may include filtering, frequencyconversion, and transmit and receive modules. In embodiments, theplurality of common digital beamformers 1004 may have capabilities suchas radar processing, telemetry demodulation, Electronic Attack (EA)waveform modulation, and Electronic Warfare (EW) processing. Inembodiments, the plurality of system support subsystems 1006 may havecapabilities such as Electro-Magnetic Interference/Compatibility(EMI/EMC) filtering, DC-DC conversion, timing, master oscillation, andthermal management.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of amulti-band software defined antenna array tile 110 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, the multi-bandsoftware defined antenna array tile 110 may include an RF subsystem1101, a digital subsystem 1102, a software system 1103, a mechanicalsubsystem 1104, and/or an electrical subsystem 1105. In embodiments, theRF subsystem 1101 may include a plurality of antenna elements 1101A anda plurality of RF support elements 1101B. In embodiments, the digitalsubsystem 1102 may include a plurality of digital hardware elements1102A, a plurality of embedded system elements 1102B, and a plurality ofnetwork architecture elements 1102C. In embodiments, the softwaresubsystem 1103 may include a plurality of common digital beamformersoftware elements 1103A, a plurality of AppSpace software elements1103B, and a plurality of human machine interface (HMI) softwareelements 1103C. In embodiments, the mechanical subsystem 1104 mayinclude a plurality of physical subsystem elements 1104A and a pluralityof thermal subsystem elements 1104B. In embodiments, the electricalsubsystem 1105 may include a plurality of power subsystem elements 1105Aand a plurality of interface sub system elements 1105B.

In embodiments, a digitally beamformed phased array system may include:(a) a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; (b)a multi-band software defined antenna array tile including: i. aplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements, wherein each coupleddipole array antenna element includes a principal polarization componentoriented in a first direction and an orthogonal polarization componentoriented in a second direction, and is configured to receive andtransmit a plurality of respective first modulated signals associatedwith a plurality of respective radio frequencies; ii. a plurality ofpairs of frequency converters, each pair of frequency convertersassociated with a respective coupled dipole array antenna element andincluding a respective principal polarization converter corresponding toa respective principal polarization component and a respectiveorthogonal polarization converter corresponding to a respectiveorthogonal polarization component, and each principal polarizationconverter and each respective orthogonal polarization converter isconfigured to: (1) receive respective first modulated signals associatedwith the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radiofrequencies from the respective coupled dipole array antenna element;and (2) convert the respective first modulated signals associated withthe respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequenciesinto respective second modulated signals having a first intermediatefrequency; iii. a plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of pairs of frequency converters wherein each digitalbeamformer is operatively connected to one of the respective principalpolarization frequency converter and the respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter and each digital beamformer isconfigured to: (1) receive the respective second modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency; (2) convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format; (3) generate a plurality of channels of the digital data bydecimation of the digital data using a polyphase channelizer and filterusing a plurality of cascaded halfband filters; (4) select one of theplurality of channels; (5) apply a first weighting factor to the digitaldata associated with the selected one of the plurality of channels togenerate a first intermediate partial beamformed data stream; (6)combine the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream with theplurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a first partial beamformed data stream; (7) apply anoscillating signal to the first partial beamformed data stream togenerate a first oscillating partial beamformed data stream; (8) apply athree-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformed data stream;(9) apply a time delay to the first filtered partial beamformed datastream to generate a first partial beam; (10) transmit the first partialbeam of a first beam along with a first set of a plurality of otherpartial beams of the first beam to a digital software system interfacevia a data transport bus; (c) a power and clock management subsystemconfigured to manage power and time of operation; (d) a thermalmanagement subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by themulti-band software defined antenna array tile; and (e) an enclosureassembly.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare tightly coupled relative to the wavelength of operation.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherinclude thermoelectric coolers configured to actively manage thermallythe system noise temperature and increase the system gain overtemperature.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherinclude a plurality of spatially distributed high power amplifiers so asto increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 900 MHz and 6000 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 2000 MHz and 12000MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 10000 MHZ and 50000MHz.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to select one ofthe plurality of channels using a multiplexer.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to transmit thefirst partial beam of the first beam along with a second set of aplurality of other partial beams of a second beam to the digitalsoftware system interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (11) receive the first partial beam of the first beamalong with the first set of the plurality of other partial beams of thefirst beam from the digital software system interface via the datatransport bus; (12) apply a second weighting factor to first transmitdigital data associated with the first partial beam of the first beam ofthe plurality of beams; (13) transmit the first transmit digital data toa first digital to analog converter; and (14) convert, using the firstdigital to analog converter, the first transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe first partial beam of the first beam along with the second set of aplurality of other beams of the second beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the first digital to analog converter, the first transmitdigital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having the firstintermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (3) receive respectivethird modulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequencyfrom the respective digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers; (4) convert the respective third modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency into respective fourthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (5) transmit therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (15) receive a third partial beam of a third beam alongwith a third set of a plurality of other partial beams of the third beamfrom the digital software system interface via the data transport bus;(16) apply a third weighting factor to second transmit digital dataassociated with the third partial beam of the third beam; (17) transmitthe second transmit digital data to a second digital to analogconverter; and (18) convert, using the second digital to analogconverter, the second transmit digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe third partial beam of the third beam along with a fourth set of aplurality of other beams of a fourth beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is the same as thefirst intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the second digital to analog converter, the secondtransmit digital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having asecond intermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (6) receive respectivefifth modulated signals associated with the second intermediatefrequency from the respective digital beamformer of the plurality ofdigital beamformers; (7) convert the respective fifth modulated signalsassociated with the second intermediate frequency into respective sixthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (8) transmit therespective sixth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to each principal polarization component and eachorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole antenna elements.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element has a transmitmode of operation associated with transmitting a plurality of respectiveradio frequencies, and wherein each principal polarization component andeach orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element is further configured to transmit the respectivesixth modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequenciesof the plurality of radio frequencies.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency is associated with arespective mission center radio frequency.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via a system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective mission center radio frequency; (b)storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter, the respectivemission center frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency is a respectivemission intermediate frequency corresponding to the respective missioncenter radio frequency and is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving,from the digital software system interface via the system controller bymemory of the digitally beamformed phased array system, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequency forthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by memory of the digitally beamformed phased array system,for the respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b) storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectivechannel selection for the respective principal polarization componentand the respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective channelselection for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor is part of an array ofweighting factors obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective digital beamformer, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal is associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of respective coupled dipole array antenna elements, therespective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

In embodiments, a large form factor phased array system may include aplurality of multi-band software defined antenna array tiles whereineach multi-band software defined antenna array tile includes: i. aplurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements, wherein each coupleddipole array antenna element includes a principal polarization componentoriented in a first direction and an orthogonal polarization componentoriented in a second direction, and is configured to receive andtransmit a plurality of respective first modulated signals associatedwith a plurality of respective radio frequencies; ii. a plurality ofpairs of frequency converters, each pair of frequency convertersassociated with a respective coupled dipole array antenna element andincluding a respective principal polarization converter corresponding toa respective principal polarization component and a respectiveorthogonal polarization converter corresponding to a respectiveorthogonal polarization component, and each principal polarizationconverter and each respective orthogonal polarization converter isconfigured to: (1) receive respective first modulated signals associatedwith the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radiofrequencies from the respective coupled dipole array antenna element;and (2) convert the respective first modulated signals associated withthe respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequenciesinto respective second modulated signals having a first intermediatefrequency; iii. a plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of pairs of frequency converters wherein each digitalbeamformer is operatively connected to one of the respective principalpolarization frequency converter and the respective orthogonalpolarization frequency converter and each digital beamformer isconfigured to: (1) receive the respective second modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency; (2) convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format; (3) generate a plurality of channels of the digital data bydecimation of the digital data using a polyphase channelizer and filterusing a plurality of cascaded halfband filters; (4) select one of theplurality of channels; (5) apply a first weighting factor to the digitaldata associated with the selected one of the plurality of channels togenerate a first intermediate partial beamformed data stream; (6)combine the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream with theplurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a first partial beamformed data stream; (7) apply anoscillating signal to the first partial beamformed data stream togenerate a first oscillating partial beamformed data stream; (8) apply athree-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformed data stream;(9) apply a time delay to the first filtered partial beamformed datastream to generate a first partial beam; and (10) transmit the firstpartial beam of a first beam along with a first set of a plurality ofother partial beams of the first beam to a digital software systeminterface via a data transport bus.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare tightly coupled relative to the wavelength of operation.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes thermoelectric coolers configured to actively manage thermallythe system noise temperature and increase the system gain overtemperature.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes a plurality of spatially distributed high power amplifiers soas to increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 900 MHz and 6000 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 2000 MHz and 12000MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 10000 MHZ and 50000MHz.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to select one ofthe plurality of channels using a multiplexer.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to transmit thefirst partial beam of the first beam along with a second set of aplurality of other partial beams of a second beam to the digitalsoftware system interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (11) receive the first partial beam of the first beamalong with the first set of the plurality of other partial beams of thefirst beam from the digital software system interface via the datatransport bus; (12) apply a second weighting factor to first transmitdigital data associated with the first partial beam of the first beam ofthe plurality of beams; (13) transmit the first transmit digital data toa first digital to analog converter; and (14) convert, using the firstdigital to analog converter, the first transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe first partial beam of the first beam along with the second set of aplurality of other beams of the second beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the first digital to analog converter, the first transmitdigital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having the firstintermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (3) receive respectivethird modulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequencyfrom the respective digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers; (4) convert the respective third modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency into respective fourthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (5) transmit therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (15) receive a third partial beam of a third beam alongwith a third set of a plurality of other partial beams of the third beamfrom the digital software system interface via the data transport bus;(16) apply a third weighting factor to second transmit digital dataassociated with the third partial beam of the third beam; (17) transmitthe second transmit digital data to a second digital to analogconverter; and (18) convert, using the second digital to analogconverter, the second transmit digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe third partial beam of the third beam along with a fourth set of aplurality of other beams of a fourth beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is the same as thefirst intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the second digital to analog converter, the secondtransmit digital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having asecond intermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (6) receive respectivefifth modulated signals associated with the second intermediatefrequency from the respective digital beamformer of the plurality ofdigital beamformers; (7) convert the respective fifth modulated signalsassociated with the second intermediate frequency into respective sixthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (8) transmit therespective sixth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to each principal polarization component and eachorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole antenna elements.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element has a transmitmode of operation associated with transmitting a plurality of respectiveradio frequencies, and wherein each principal polarization component andeach orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element is further configured to transmit the respectivesixth modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequenciesof the plurality of radio frequencies.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency is associated with arespective mission center radio frequency.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via a system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective mission center radio frequency; (b)storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter, the respectivemission center frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency is a respectivemission intermediate frequency corresponding to the respective missioncenter radio frequency and is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving,from the digital software system interface via the system controller bymemory of the digitally beamformed phased array system, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequency forthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by memory of the digitally beamformed phased array system,for the respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b) storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectivechannel selection for the respective principal polarization componentand the respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective channelselection for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor is part of an array ofweighting factors obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective digital beamformer, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal is associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of respective coupled dipole array antenna elements, therespective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

In embodiments, a wide area scanning parabolic apparatus may include:(a) a parabolic reflector mounted on a support pedestal; and (b) adigitally beamformed phased array including: i. a radome configured toallow electromagnetic waves to propagate; ii. a multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile including: (1) a plurality of coupled dipolearray antenna elements, wherein each coupled dipole array antennaelement includes a principal polarization component oriented in a firstdirection and an orthogonal polarization component oriented in a seconddirection, and is configured to receive and transmit a plurality ofrespective first modulated signals associated with a plurality ofrespective radio frequencies; (2) a plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters, each pair of frequency converters associated with arespective coupled dipole array antenna element and including arespective principal polarization converter corresponding to arespective principal polarization component and a respective orthogonalpolarization converter corresponding to a respective orthogonalpolarization component, and each principal polarization converter andeach respective orthogonal polarization converter is configured to: a.receive respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies fromthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and b. convert therespective first modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies into respective secondmodulated signals having a first intermediate frequency; (3) a pluralityof digital beamformers operatively connected to the plurality of pairsof frequency converters wherein each digital beamformer is operativelyconnected to one of the respective principal polarization frequencyconverter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequency converterand each digital beamformer is configured to: a. receive the respectivesecond modulated signals associated with the first intermediatefrequency; b. convert the respective second modulated signal from ananalog signal to a digital data format; c. generate a plurality ofchannels of the digital data by decimation of the digital data using apolyphase channelizer and filter using a plurality of cascaded halfbandfilters; d. select one of the plurality of channels; e. apply a firstweighting factor to the digital data associated with the selected one ofthe plurality of channels to generate a first intermediate partialbeamformed data stream; f. combine the first intermediate partialbeamformed data stream with the plurality of other intermediate partialbeamformed data streams to generate a first partial beamformed datastream; g. apply an oscillating signal to the first partial beamformeddata stream to generate a first oscillating partial beamformed datastream; h. apply a three-stage halfband filter to the first oscillatingpartial beamformed data stream to generate a first filtered partialbeamformed data stream; i. apply a time delay to the first filteredpartial beamformed data stream to generate a first partial beam; j.transmit the first partial beam of a first beam along with a first setof a plurality of other partial beams of the first beam to a digitalsoftware system interface via a data transport bus; iii. a power andclock management subsystem configured to manage power and time ofoperation; iv. a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipateheat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile;and v. an enclosure assembly.

In embodiments, In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole arrayantenna elements are tightly coupled relative to the wavelength ofoperation.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes thermoelectric coolers configured to actively manage thermallythe system noise temperature and increase the system gain overtemperature.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes a plurality of spatially distributed high power amplifiers soas to increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 900 MHz and 6000 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 2000 MHz and 12000MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 10000 MHZ and 50000MHz.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to convert therespective second modulated signal from an analog signal to a digitaldata format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to select one ofthe plurality of channels using a multiplexer.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is configured to transmit thefirst partial beam of the first beam along with a second set of aplurality of other partial beams of a second beam to the digitalsoftware system interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (11) receive the first partial beam of the first beamalong with the first set of the plurality of other partial beams of thefirst beam from the digital software system interface via the datatransport bus; (12) apply a second weighting factor to first transmitdigital data associated with the first partial beam of the first beam ofthe plurality of beams; (13) transmit the first transmit digital data toa first digital to analog converter; and (14) convert, using the firstdigital to analog converter, the first transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having the first intermediatefrequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe first partial beam of the first beam along with the second set of aplurality of other beams of the second beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the first digital to analog converter, the first transmitdigital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having the firstintermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (3) receive respectivethird modulated signals associated with the first intermediate frequencyfrom the respective digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers; (4) convert the respective third modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency into respective fourthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (5) transmit therespective fourth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer has a transmit mode of operationassociated with converting a plurality of transmit digital data from adigital signal to an analog signal having a plurality of respectiveintermediate frequencies, and wherein each digital beamformer is furtherconfigured to: (15) receive a third partial beam of a third beam alongwith a third set of a plurality of other partial beams of the third beamfrom the digital software system interface via the data transport bus;(16) apply a third weighting factor to second transmit digital dataassociated with the third partial beam of the third beam; (17) transmitthe second transmit digital data to a second digital to analogconverter; and (18) convert, using the second digital to analogconverter, the second transmit digital data from a digital signal to ananalog signal having a second intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured to receivethe third partial beam of the third beam along with a fourth set of aplurality of other beams of a fourth beam from the digital softwaresystem interface via the data transport bus.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the second intermediate frequency is the same as thefirst intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, each digital beamformer is further configured toconvert, using the second digital to analog converter, the secondtransmit digital data from a digital signal to an analog signal having asecond intermediate frequency by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, each principal polarization converter and eachrespective orthogonal polarization converter have a transmit mode ofoperation associated with transmitting respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of radio frequencies, and wherein eachprincipal polarization converter and its respective orthogonalpolarization converter is further configured to: (6) receive respectivefifth modulated signals associated with the second intermediatefrequency from the respective digital beamformer of the plurality ofdigital beamformers; (7) convert the respective fifth modulated signalsassociated with the second intermediate frequency into respective sixthmodulated signals having a radio frequency; and (8) transmit therespective sixth modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies from each principalpolarization converter and each orthogonal polarization converter of therespective pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters to each principal polarization component and eachorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole antenna elements.

In embodiments, each coupled dipole antenna array element has a transmitmode of operation associated with transmitting a plurality of respectiveradio frequencies, and wherein each principal polarization component andeach orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipoleantenna array element is further configured to transmit the respectivesixth modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequenciesof the plurality of radio frequencies.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency is associated with arespective mission center radio frequency.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via a system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective mission center radio frequency; (b)storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter, the respectivemission center frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency is a respectivemission intermediate frequency corresponding to the respective missioncenter radio frequency and is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving,from the digital software system interface via the system controller bymemory of the digitally beamformed phased array system, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequency forthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by memory of the digitally beamformed phased array system,for the respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b) storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectivechannel selection for the respective principal polarization componentand the respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective channelselection for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor is part of an array ofweighting factors obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective digital beamformer, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal is associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of respective coupled dipole array antenna elements, therespective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

In embodiments, a method for digital beamforming may include: (a)receiving, by a first coupled dipole array antenna element of aplurality coupled dipole array antenna elements of a multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile, a plurality of respective modulated signalsassociated with a plurality of respective radio frequencies, whereineach coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of coupleddipole array antenna elements includes a respective principalpolarization component oriented in a first direction and a respectiveorthogonal polarization component oriented in a second direction; (b)receiving, by a first principal polarization frequency converter of afirst pair of frequency converters of a plurality of pairs of frequencyconverters of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, from afirst principal polarization component of the first coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements, respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of respective radiofrequencies, wherein each pair of frequency converters of the pluralityof pairs frequency converters is operatively connected to a respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element, and wherein each pair of frequencyconverters of the plurality of pairs frequency converters includes arespective principal polarization converter corresponding to arespective principal polarization component and a respective orthogonalpolarization converter corresponding to a respective orthogonalpolarization component; (c) converting, by the first principalpolarization frequency converter of the first pair of frequencyconverters, the respective first modulated signals associated with therespective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies intorespective second modulated signals having a first intermediatefrequency; (d) receiving, by a first digital beamformer of a pluralityof digital beamformers of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, from the first principal polarization frequency converter, therespective second modulated signals associated with the firstintermediate frequency, wherein the plurality of digital beamformers areoperatively connected to the plurality of pairs of frequency converters,and wherein each digital beamformer is operatively connected to one ofthe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter; (e) converting,by the first digital beamformer, the respective second modulated signalfrom an analog signal to a digital data format; (f) generating, by thefirst digital beamformer, a first plurality of channels of first digitaldata by decimating the first digital data using a first polyphasechannelizer and filtering using a first plurality of cascaded halfbandfilters; (g) selecting, by the first digital beamformer, a first channelof the first plurality of channels; (h) applying, by the first digitalbeamformer, a first weighting factor to the first digital dataassociated with the first channel to generate a first intermediatepartial beamformed data stream; (i) combining, by the first digitalbeamformer, the first intermediate partial beamformed data stream withthe plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a first partial beamformed data stream; (j) applying, by thefirst digital beamformer, a first oscillating signal to the firstpartial beamformed data stream to generate a first oscillating partialbeamformed data stream; (k) applying, by the first digital beamformer, afirst three-stage halfband filter to the first oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a first filtered partial beamformeddata stream; (1) applying, by the first digital beamformer, a first timedelay to the first filtered partial beamformed data stream to generate afirst partial beam; and (m) transmitting, by the first digitalbeamformer via a data transport bus to a digital software systeminterface, the first partial beam of a first beam, which is transmittedvia the data transport bus along with a first set of a plurality ofother partial beams of the first beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes, prior to step (a), thesteps of: reflecting, from a surface of a parabolic reflector mounted ona support pedestal, the plurality of respective modulated signals andtransmitting the reflected plurality of respective modulated signalsthrough a radome to the first coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare tightly coupled relative to the wavelength of operation.

In embodiments, the plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elementsare spaced at less than half a wavelength.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes thermoelectric coolers configured to actively manage thermallythe system noise temperature and increase the system gain overtemperature.

In embodiments, the plurality of pairs of frequency converters furtherincludes a plurality of spatially distributed high power amplifiers soas to increase the effective isotropic radiated power.

In embodiments, the first intermediate frequency is between 50 MHz and1250 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 900 MHz and 6000 MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 2000 MHz and 12000MHz.

In embodiments, the radio frequencies are between 10000 MHZ and 50000MHz.

In embodiments, the method further includes converting, by the firstdigital beamformer the respective modulated signal from an analog signalto a digital data format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, the method further includes selecting, by the firstdigital beamformer, the first channel of the first plurality of channelsusing a first multiplexer.

In embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the firstdigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the first partial beam of the first beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a second set of aplurality of other partial beams of a second beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes, after step (a): (n)receiving, by a first orthogonal polarization frequency converter of thefirst pair of frequency converters of the plurality of pairs offrequency converters of the multi-band software defined antenna arraytile, from a first orthogonal polarization component of the firstcoupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality of coupled dipolearray antenna elements, respective third modulated signals associatedwith the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of respectiveradio frequencies; (o) converting, by the first orthogonal polarizationfrequency converter of the first pair of frequency converters, therespective third modulated signals associated with the respective radiofrequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies into respective fourthmodulated signals having the first intermediate frequency; (p)receiving, by a second digital beamformer of the plurality of digitalbeamformers of the multi-band software defined antenna array tile, fromthe first orthogonal polarization frequency converter of the first pairof frequency converters, the respective fourth modulated signalsassociated with the first intermediate frequency; (q) converting, by thesecond digital beamformer, the respective fourth modulated signal froman analog signal to a digital data format; (r) generating, by the seconddigital beamformer, a second plurality of channels of second digitaldata by decimating the second digital data using a second polyphasechannelizer and filtering using a second plurality of cascaded halfbandfilters; (s) selecting, by the second digital beamformer, a secondchannel of the second plurality of channels; (t) applying, by the seconddigital beamformer, a second weighting factor to the second digital dataassociated with the second channel to generate a second intermediatepartial beamformed data stream; (u) combining, by the second digitalbeamformer, the second intermediate partial beamformed data stream withthe plurality of other intermediate partial beamformed data streams togenerate a second partial beamformed data stream; (v) applying, by thesecond digital beamformer, a second oscillating signal to the secondpartial beamformed data stream to generate a second oscillating partialbeamformed data stream; (w) applying, by the second digital beamformer,a second three-stage halfband filter to the second oscillating partialbeamformed data stream to generate a second filtered partial beamformeddata stream; (x) applying, by the second digital beamformer, a secondtime delay to the second filtered partial beamformed data stream togenerate a second partial beam; and (y) transmitting, by the seconddigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the second partial beam of the first beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a third set of aplurality of other partial beams of the first beam.

In embodiments, the method further includes converting, by the seconddigital beamformer, the respective modulated signal from an analogsignal to a digital data format by performing First-Nyquist sampling.

In embodiments, the method further includes selecting, by the seconddigital beamformer, the second channel of the second plurality ofchannels using a second multiplexer.

In embodiments, the second oscillating signal is the same as the firstoscillating signal.

In embodiments, the second channel is the same as the first channel.

In embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the seconddigital beamformer via the data transport bus to the digital softwaresystem interface, the second partial beam of the second beam, which istransmitted via the data transport bus along with a fourth set of aplurality of other partial beams of the second beam.

In embodiments, a respective intermediate frequency is associated with arespective mission center radio frequency.

In embodiments, the respective mission center radio frequency isobtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via a system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective mission center radio frequency; (b)storing, by memory operatively connected to the system controller, therespective mission center radio frequency for the respective coupleddipole antenna array element; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective principal polarization frequency converter and therespective orthogonal polarization frequency converter, the respectivemission center frequency for the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement.

In embodiments, the respective intermediate frequency is a respectivemission intermediate frequency corresponding to the respective missioncenter radio frequency and is obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving,from the digital software system interface via the system controller bymemory of the digitally beamformed phased array system, for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements, the respective missionintermediate frequency; (b) storing, by memory operatively connected tothe system controller, the respective mission intermediate frequency forthe respective coupled dipole array antenna element; and (c)transporting, from the memory to the respective principal polarizationfrequency converter and the respective orthogonal polarization frequencyconverter, the respective mission intermediate frequency for therespective coupled dipole array antenna element.

In embodiments, a respective channel is selected by the steps of: (a)receiving, from the digital software system interface via the systemcontroller by memory of the digitally beamformed phased array system,for the respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements, the respective channel selection; (b) storing, bymemory operatively connected to the system controller, the respectivechannel selection for the respective principal polarization componentand the respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array antenna element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective channelselection for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective channel selection is associated with arespective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, the respective tuner channel frequency corresponds tothe respective mission intermediate frequency.

In embodiments, a respective weighting factor is part of an array ofweighting factors obtained by the steps of: (a) receiving, from thedigital software system interface via the system controller by memory ofthe digitally beamformed phased array system, for the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement of the plurality of respective coupled dipole array antennaelements, the respective weighting factor; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respective weightingfactor for the respective principal polarization component and therespective orthogonal polarization component of the respective coupleddipole array antenna element of the plurality of respective coupleddipole array antenna elements; and (c) transporting, from the memory tothe respective digital beamformer, the respective weighting factor forthe respective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element of the plurality of respective coupled dipole arrayantenna elements.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is generated for therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element as a function of: i. a respective tuning parameter; ii.a respective power parameter; and iii. a respective location of therespective principal polarization component and the respectiveorthogonal polarization component of the respective coupled dipole arrayantenna element with respect to the center of the multi-band softwaredefined antenna array tile.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates thearray of weighting factors by using the formula:

$w_{m,n} = {\overset{A_{m,n}}{\overset{︷}{\left( {A_{m,n}^{tap}*A_{m,n}^{cal}} \right)}}*\overset{\theta_{m,n}}{e^{{- j}*\overset{︷}{({\theta_{m,n}^{steer} + \theta_{m,n}^{tap} + \theta_{m,n}^{cal}})}}}}$wherein w_(m,n) is a weighting factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, A_(m,n) is an amplitude weighting factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, A^(tap) is a tapered amplitude weightingfactor associated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n, A^(cal) is acalibration weighting factor associated with each position in theantenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ_(m,n) is a phase factor associated with each position inthe antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and a verticalposition n, θ^(steer) is a steering phase factor associated with eachposition in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position m and avertical position n, θ^(tap) is a taper phase factor associated witheach position in the antenna array expressed as a horizontal position mand a vertical position n, and θ^(cal) is a calibration phase factorassociated with each position in the antenna array expressed as ahorizontal position m and a vertical position n.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface generates therespective weighting factor by using the formula:

${w(t)} = \left( \frac{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha*\sqrt{1 - {4t^{2}}}} \right)}{\cosh\left( {\pi\alpha} \right)} \right)^{P}$wherein w(t) is the respective weighting factor at a location t, where tis defined by an array associated with a location of the respectiveprincipal polarization component and the respective orthogonalpolarization component of the respective coupled dipole array antennaelement, α is the respective tuning parameter, and P is the respectivepower parameter.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for the plurality of coupled dipole array antennaelements as an input, and wherein the digital software system interfaceuses the specific mission parameters to generate the array of weightingfactors.

In embodiments, the respective weighting factor is selected from thearray of weighting factors.

In embodiments, a respective oscillating signal is associated with arespective oscillating signal frequency.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency is obtainedby performing the steps of: (a) receiving, from the digital softwaresystem interface via the system controller by memory of the digitallybeamformed phased array system, for the respective principalpolarization component and the respective orthogonal polarizationcomponent of the respective coupled dipole array antenna element of theplurality of respective coupled dipole array antenna elements, therespective oscillating signal frequency; (b) storing, by memoryoperatively connected to the system controller, the respectiveoscillating signal frequency for the respective principal polarizationcomponent and the respective orthogonal polarization component of therespective coupled dipole array element; and (c) transporting, from thememory to the respective digital beamformer, the respective oscillatingsignal frequency for the respective principal polarization component andthe respective orthogonal polarization component of the respectivecoupled dipole array element.

In embodiments, the respective oscillating signal frequency correspondsto the respective tuner channel frequency.

In embodiments, a plurality of oscillating signal frequencies may bereceived for a plurality of principal polarization components and aplurality of orthogonal polarization components of the plurality ofrespective coupled dipole array antenna elements.

In embodiments, the digital software system interface receives specificmission parameters for respective coupled dipole array antenna elementsas an input, and wherein the digital software system interface uses thespecific mission parameters to generate the respective oscillatingsignal frequency.

Fine Loop Pointing

In embodiments, the digitally beamformed phased array feed 210 of thewide area scanning parabolic apparatus 200, which includes themulti-band software defined antenna tile 110, may be used to achieve ahigher overall motion profile for tracking flight objects than existingantenna systems. For example, existing satellite antennas 100 used witha parabolic reflector mounted on a support pedestal may be implementedin high seas environments, such as on ships or other water vessels. Inthose environments, the wave motion of the body of water beneath thewater vessel may affect the operation of the antenna. For example, inorder for the antenna to maintain the beam at a fixed point or on anobject in the sky or on the horizon, the base of the antenna, includingthe reflector and support pedestal, must be continuously adjusted tocounteract the movement of the water vessel and the base of the antennacaused by the force of the waves. Referring to FIG. 26 , this requiresmoving and rotating the parabolic reflector 114 and support pedestal112, respectively, about the Azimuth (Az) axis (measured in degrees, θ,or radians) and Elevation (El) axis (measured in degrees, θ, or radians)of the Az/El spherical coordinate system, to maintain the antenna beam'sdesired position on a flight object 108 in the sky. In many cases, thewave motion may be so severe that the entire existing antenna system,including the pedestal must be implemented such that it may be adjustedcontinuously so as to rotate around a roll axis, in addition to theAz/El axes. Referring to FIG. 26 , this may require implementing theantenna system such that the pedestal may rotate about the x and y axesof a 3-dimensional coordinate system.

The current practice requires the implementation of highly agile, andoften expensive, pedestals on water vessels. This is because existingantenna systems in the current state of practice use beam amplitude andphase control to taper antenna sidelobes at some expense to the antennagain, while maintaining a narrow main lobe beamwidth for optimaldirectivity of the beam. However, if the system maintains a narrow mainlobe beamwidth, the system's ability to steer the beam to compensate forthe movement of the vessel or other volatile base system caused by wavemotion is severely limited. The pointing authority of the antenna systemthat is under electronic control is defined as the inner loop of theantenna system. That is, the inner loop is the electronic ability tosteer the beam. The outer loop of the system, on the other hand,includes the physical limits of the antenna system to steer the beam bymoving and/or rotating the reflector and pedestal of the antenna system.As discussed above, the outer loop of the system may be increased orwidened by implementing the base of the pedestal and/or any othercomponent of the antenna system on a roll axis.

In embodiments of the present invention, the use of digital beamformingto steer and control a beam enables fine loop pointing across a widerinner loop allowing more physical leeway to the system. In embodiments,by using beam-broadening techniques, a digitally beamformed phased arrayfeed 210 may enable a new or existing satellite antenna to scan a widerarea of the sky while automatically adjusting and maintaining thephysical position of the antenna. The current state of practice requiresthe use of highly agile, and thereby expensive, pedestals that may needto rotate at, for example, a maximum angular velocity of 40 degrees persecond (Az/El), and a maximum angular acceleration of 10 degrees persecond squared. Rotation of a parabolic reflector at high angularvelocities and accelerations creates excessive kinetic energy and placesa significant load and burden on the associated gear box. The systemdescribed in embodiments of the present invention allows the use ofpedestals that may rotate, for example, at an angular velocity of 15degrees per second (Az/El), and an angular acceleration of 3 degrees persecond squared. However, in embodiments, because the broadened beamformed by the digitally beamformed phased array feed may be steeredquickly and digitally, the effective angular velocity and accelerationof the system may exceed the maximum angular velocity and accelerationcapabilities of existing pedestals. For example, in embodiments, thedigitally beamformed phased array feed 210 may allow the lower agilitypedestal having a maximum angular velocity of 15 degrees per second(Az/El), and a maximum angular acceleration of 3 degrees per secondsquared, to instead have a maximum effective angular velocity of 100degrees per second (Az/El), and a maximum effective angular accelerationof 25 degrees per second squared.

Another problem facing current beamforming systems is the “keyhole”effect. The keyhole is a region above an antenna where the antenna isunable to adequately track an object due to either physical or digitalconstraints of the system. As an antenna approaches an elevation angleof 90 degrees, the system will fail, and the antenna will not be able tocontinue tracking an object through the “keyhole”. In traditional narrowbeam antenna systems, if a tracked object passes through a keyhole, anantenna must have high agility (requiring high angular velocityrotation) in order to rotate its support pedestal or gimbal on theazimuth axis and continue tracking the object. Additionally, when theobject passes through the keyhole, the antenna will lose communicationwith the object because the narrow beam of the antenna tracks with thecenter of the pointing authority of the antenna. In embodiments of thepresent invention, the wide range of the beam allows for significantlymore leeway as an object passes through the keyhole and does not requirethe system to abandon communication with the flight object at any point.In embodiments, the broad beam may allow a reflector and pedestal withlow agility to rotate to avoid the keyhole while maintainingcommunication with the flight object while it moves through the keyhole.In embodiments, when the parabolic reflector 114 reaches a maximumelevation angle, the system will calculate the trajectory of the flightobject 108 while it is in the blind region, and using this trajectory,will automatically rotate the parabolic reflector 114 such that flightobject 108 may continue to be tracked by the beam while it is in theblind region. In embodiments, the system may maintain a constant flow ofdata without risking the mechanical integrity of the system.

In embodiments, the method for fine loop pointing may be implementedwith a digitally beamformed phased array feed 210 described above, or itmay be implemented with any other beamforming system.

In embodiments, the digital software system 704 may process theplurality of beams received from the plurality of digital beamformers306 via the data transport bus 702 in order to generate a graphicaldisplay 340 displaying the plurality of beams. In embodiments, theplurality of beams may be assigned different tasks based on the missionparameters delivered to the system via the system controller 412. Forexample, in embodiments, a first beam may be assigned to acquire flightobjects located within the range of the plurality of beams. Inembodiments, a second beam may be assigned to a flight object 108acquired by the acquisition beam in order to receive and process and/ortransmit radio frequency signals from the flight object 108. Inembodiments, a third beam may be assigned to track the movement of theflight object 108 so that the second beam may be adjusted so as tomaintain communication with the flight object 108. In embodiments, theplurality of beams may include a plurality of acquisition beams, aplurality of receive and/or transmit beams, and/or a plurality oftracking beams, to name a few.

In embodiments, because the systolic digital beam formed by thedigitally beamformed phased array feed 210 is significantly wider thanbeams formed by traditional beamforming systems (as shown in FIGS. 16Aand 16B), the digital software system 704 may track a plurality offlight objects 108 using a plurality of beams simultaneously withoutrequiring substantial physical adjustment of the parabolic reflector114. FIGS. 30A-D are schematic illustrations of a graphical display 340generated by a method for fine loop pointing in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, the graphicaldisplay 340 may display a plurality of flight objects 108simultaneously. In embodiments, a user of the graphical display 340 mayassign one or more beams to a flight object 108 in order to receiveand/or transmit communications to and/or from the flight object 108 bythe digital software system 704. In embodiments, the user may assign atracking priority to an object 108 so that the system may prioritize thetracking of one flight object over another flight object.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31 , an exemplary process forgenerating a graphical display 340 using fine loop pointing may beginwith step S3102. At step S3102, in embodiments, the digital softwaresystem 704 may generate a graphical display 340 during a first timeperiod. In embodiments, the generating step may include a plurality ofsub-steps. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31A, the generating stepmay proceed with step S3102A. At step S3102A, the digital softwaresystem 704 may receive first angular direction information via apedestal controller 124 operatively connected to a first parabolicreflector 114. In embodiments, the parabolic reflector 114 may beconfigured to automatically rotate about an elevation axis between afirst range of a plurality of elevation angles between a range of aplurality of angular velocities. In embodiments, the rotation of theparabolic reflector 114 may be controlled electronically by the pedestalcontroller 124. In embodiments, the pedestal controller 124 may beoperatively connected the digital software system 704. In embodiments,the pedestal controller 124 may be used to control the movement androtation of the parabolic reflector 114 based on the angular directioninformation transmitted by the digital software system 704. Inembodiments, the first angular direction information may include a firstazimuth axis component and a first elevation axis component associatedwith the first parabolic reflector 114 during the first time period. Inembodiments, the azimuth and elevation components may be in degrees,radians, or any other non-cartesian coordinate system. In embodiments,the first angular direction information may indicate the direction thatthe centroid 270 of the parabolic reflector 114 is pointing. Inembodiments, the point at which the first azimuth axis and the firstelevation axis intersect is the centroid 270 of the parabolic reflector114. For example, in embodiments referring to FIG. 30A, the angulardirection information may indicate that the parabolic reflector 114 ispointing at an azimuth angle component of 14 degrees, and an elevationangle component of 61 degrees. In embodiments, the centroid 270 of theparabolic reflector 114 is the direction of a center point of theparabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, the parabolic reflector 114described with respect to fine loop pointing may include both thereflector 114 and a support pedestal 112. In embodiments, the parabolicreflector 114 may rotate about the elevation axis, and the supportpedestal 112 may rotate about the azimuth axis. In embodiments, theparabolic reflector 114 may rotate about the elevation axis and theazimuth axis using a gimbal. For example, in embodiments, the reflector114 may rotate using a gimbal, while the gimbal is positioned on astationary support pedestal 112.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31A, the generating step may continuewith step S3102B. At step 3102B, the digital software system 704 mayreceive a first set of respective first digital data streams associatedwith a first plurality of partial beams via a data transport bus 702.For example, in embodiments, the digital data streams may be transportedvia the digital transport bus 702 shown in FIG. 7 . In embodiments, eachrespective partial beam may be associated with a respective firstdigital data stream and data in the respective first digital data streammay be associated with a first plurality of respective modulated radiofrequency signals received by a plurality of antenna array elements 304.In embodiments, each partial beam may be formed by a respective digitalbeamformer 306-n of the plurality of digital beamformers 306, describedabove with respective to at least FIG. 8 .

In embodiments, referring again to FIG. 31A, the generating step maycontinue with step S3102C. At step 3102C, the digital software system704 may process the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams associated with the first plurality of partialbeams. In embodiments, each beam of the first plurality of beams isbased on at least two respective first digital data streams. Inembodiments, each beam may be based on 2 partial beams (for example, anorthogonal polarization component partial beam and a principalpolarization component partial beam).

In embodiments, referring again to FIG. 31A, the generating step maycontinue with step S3102D. At step 3102D, the digital software system704 may process the second set of respective second digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of beams to determine respectivelocation information for each object of a first set of objects 108-nincluding at least a first object 108-1. In embodiments, the first setof objects may include simulation objects and tracking objects. Inembodiments, simulation objects may be used to test and calibrate thedigital software system 704. In embodiments, tracking objects may bereal objects 108. In embodiments, an object 108 may be a satellite,plane, drone, or any other flight object, to name a few. In embodiments,the respective location information may include an azimuth component andan elevation component relative to the angular direction informationassociated with the parabolic reflector 114. For example, in embodimentsreferring to FIG. 30A, the first plurality of beams may indicate thatthe first object 108-1 is located at an azimuth angle of approximately 8degrees, and an elevation angle of approximately 51 degrees. Inembodiments, the plurality of beams may include the wide beam that isgenerated by the digitally beamformed array feed 210 using the beambroadening taper. In embodiments, the wide beam allows the otherrespective beams of the first plurality of beams to receive and transmitradio frequency signals associated with a plurality of flight objects108 within the range of the wide beam.

In embodiments, the digital software system 704 may process the secondset of respective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to determine respective location information for eachobject of the first set objects 108-n, including the first object 108-1and a second object 108-2, for example. In embodiments, there may beadditional objects located by the digital software system 704.

In embodiments, referring again to FIG. 31A, the generating step maycontinue with step S3102E. At step 3102E, the digital software system704 may generate the graphical display 340. In embodiments, referringfor example to FIG. 30A, the graphical display 340 may display the firstplurality of beams, the first set of objects, including the first object108-1, a first azimuth axis based on the first azimuth axis component,and a first elevation axis based on the first elevation axis component.In embodiments, in the case where the first set of objects includes thefirst object 108-1 and the second object 108-2, the graphical display340 may display the first plurality of beams, the first set objects,including the first object 108-1 and the second object 108-2, the firstazimuth axis, and the first elevation axis. FIGS. 30B and 30C areschematic illustrations of a graphical display 340 generated by adigital software system 704, where the display 340 shows the respectivelocation of two objects in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, in embodiments referring to FIG. 30B, the firstplurality of beams may indicate that the first object 108-1 is locatedat an azimuth angle of approximately 0 degrees, and an elevation angleof approximately 30 degrees. Continuing this example, in embodiments,the first plurality of beams may indicate that the second object 108-2is located at an azimuth angle of approximately 0 degrees, and anelevation angle of approximately 50 degrees.

In embodiments, referring again to FIG. 31A, the generating step maycontinue with step S3102F. At step 3102F, the digital software system704 may provide for a display of at least a portion of the graphicaldisplay 340, as shown for example in FIG. 30A, on a display operablyconnected to the digital software system 704. In embodiments, thedisplay may be a stationary device, mobile device, or any other type ofdisplay device. For example, in embodiments, the display may be on adesktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, radio system, or tablet, or anycombination thereof, to name a few.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 31 , the method may continue withstep S3104. At step S3104, in embodiments, the first object 108-1 may beselected and assigned priority information using the digital softwaresystem 704. In the case where there are two objects the first object108-1 and the second object 108-2 may be selected and assigned priorityinformation using the digital software system 704 (discussed below withrespect to multiple object tracking). In embodiments, referring to FIG.31B, step S3104 may include a plurality of sub-steps. In embodiments,referring to FIG. 31B, the process may continue with step S3104A. Atstep S3104A, the first object 108-1 displayed by the graphical display340 may be selected using the digital software system 704. Inembodiments, the first object 108-1 may be selected automatically by thedigital software system 704 based on characteristics of the firstobject. In embodiments, the characteristics may include object velocity,mass, and/or acceleration, to name a few. In embodiments, the firstobject 108-1 may be selected manually by a user using one or more inputelements operably connected to the digital software system 704 via thegraphical display 340. For example, in embodiments referring to FIGS.30A-30D, the graphical display 340 may display a list of the objectsincluded in the first set of objects. In embodiments, the user mayselect an object to track from the list. In embodiments, selection maybe based on selection information provided by the user. In embodiments,the selection information may be provided using one or more inputdevices operatively connected to the digital software system. Inembodiments, the input devices may include one or more of a keyboard,mouse, button, switch, and/or touchscreen, to name a few.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31B, the process may continue withstep S3104B. At step S3104B, first priority information may be assignedto the first object 108-1 using the digital software system 704. Inembodiments, the first priority information may be assigned to the firstobject 108-1 automatically by the digital software system 704 based onthe selection in step S3104A, for example. In embodiments, the firstpriority information may be assigned to the first object 108-1 manuallyby a user of the digital software system 704 using the graphical display340 or using any suitable input device. In embodiments, the firstpriority information may be a weight assigned to the first object 108-1.For example, in embodiments, the first priority information may be aprimary object weight, a secondary object weight or a ternary objectweight. In embodiments, for example the primary object weight may be 1,while the secondary object weight may be 0.5, and the ternary objectweight may be 0.25. In embodiments, the weights may be used by thedigital software system 704 when calculating angular directioninformation for the parabolic reflector 114, as described below. Inembodiments, the priority information may be based on objectcharacteristics, such as object velocity, mass, and/or acceleration, toname a few. In embodiments, multiple objects may be assigned the sameweight. In embodiments, there may be additional object weights.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31B, the process may continue withstep S3104C. At step S3104C, the digital software system 704 may assigna first beam of the plurality of beams to the first object 108-1. Inembodiments, the first beam will be associated with the first object108-1 in order to receive and/or transmit radio frequency signalsto/from the object, as further described below.

Single Object Pointing

In embodiments, if the first set of objects includes only the firstobject 108-1, the process may proceed directly from step S3104C to stepS3106 (referring to FIG. 31 ). In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 31, the method may continue from step S3104C with step S3106. At stepS3106, the digital software system 704 may provide respective directioninformation associated with the first beam and the first parabolicreflector 114. In embodiments, step S3106 may include a plurality ofsub-steps. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31C, the process maycontinue with step S3106A. At step S3106A, the digital software system704 may generate a respective first weighting factor associated with thefirst beam as part of a first array of weighting factors associated withthe first plurality of beams. In embodiments, the respective firstweighting factor may be generated based on the respective locationinformation associated with the first object 108-1, the first azimuthaxis, and the first elevation axis. In embodiments, the respective firstweighting factor will be used by a respective digital beamformer 306-n,along with the first array of weighting factors, to direct the firstbeam to the first object 108-1. For example, in embodiments, therespective first weighting factor along with the first array ofweighting factors may be generated by the using the formulas discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31C, the process may continue withstep S3106B. At step S3106B, the digital software system 704 maygenerate second angular direction information associated with theparabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, the second angular directioninformation may include a second azimuth axis component and a secondelevation axis component. In embodiments, as noted above, the point atwhich the second azimuth axis and the second elevation axis intersect isthe centroid 270 of the parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, thesecond angular direction information may be generated based on the firstbeam, the respective location information associated with the firstobject 108-1, the first azimuth axis, and the first elevation axis. Inembodiments, in the case where there is one object being tracked, thesecond angular direction information will indicate that the centroid 270of the parabolic reflector 114 will point directly toward the firstobject 108-1.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 31C, the process may continuewith step S3106C. At step S3106C, the respective first weighting factorassociated with first beam may be transmitted from the digital softwaresystem to a respective digital beamformer 306-n, for example, of aplurality of digital beamformers via a system controller 412. Inembodiments, the respective digital beamformer 306-n may be operativelyconnected to the plurality of antenna array elements and the systemcontroller 412. In embodiments, the system controller 412 may providethe respective first weighting factor to the respective digitalbeamformer 306-n so that the respective digital beamformer 306-n maydirect the first beam to the first object 108-1. For example, inembodiments, the respective first weighting factor along with the firstarray of weighting factors may be transmitted to the plurality ofdigital beamformers 306-n as discussed above with respect to FIG. 22 .

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 31C, the process may continuewith step S3106D. At step S3106D, the digital software system 704 maytransmit the second angular direction information via the pedestalcontroller 124 to the first parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments,pedestal controller 124 may direct the movement and rotation of theparabolic reflector 114 based on the second angular directioninformation. For example, in embodiments, the second angular directioninformation may cause the pedestal controller 124 to rotate theparabolic reflector 114 in the elevation angular direction, the azimuthangular direction, or both.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 31 , the method may continue withstep S3108. At step S3108, the digital software system 704 may updatethe graphical display 340 during a second time period. In embodiments,for example, the first time period may be 5 milliseconds, and the secondtime period may be the next 5 milliseconds. Therefore, in embodiments,the graphical display 340 may be updated every 5 milliseconds. Inembodiments, the second time period may be different from the first timeperiod. In embodiments, the graphical display 340 may be updated toreflect movement of the first set of objects 108 during the second timeperiod.

In embodiments, the process may instead begin with step S3108. Forexample, in embodiments, the process may begin after a graphical display340 has already been generated by a digital software system 704, and atleast one object 108-1 is already being tracked by the system such thata first beam is already directed to the first object 108-1 prior to thestart of the process. In embodiments, the process may begin withupdating the graphical display 340 to reflect the movement of the object108-1 during a time period.

In embodiments, step S3108 may include a plurality of sub-steps. Inembodiments, referring to FIG. 31D, the process may continue with stepS3108A. At step S3108A, the digital software system 704 may receivethird angular direction information associated with first parabolicreflector 114 via the pedestal controller 124. In embodiments, the thirdangular direction information may include a third azimuth axis componentand a third elevation axis component. In embodiments, the third angulardirection information may be the same as the second angular directiontransmitted to the parabolic reflector 114 in step S3106D. Inembodiments, the third angular direction information may be differentfrom the second angular direction transmitted to the parabolic reflector114 in step S3106D.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31D, the process may continue withstep S3108B. At step S3108B, the digital software system 704 may receivea third set of respective third digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of partial beams. In embodiments, each respectivepartial beam of the first plurality of partial beams may be associatedwith a respective third digital data stream and data in the respectivethird digital data stream may be associated with a second plurality ofrespective modulated signals received by the plurality of antenna arrayelements 304. In embodiments, the second plurality of respectivemodulated signals are received by the plurality of antenna arrayelements, processed by the respective digital beamformer 306-n, andreceived by the digital software system 704 during the second timeperiod.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 31D, the process may continuewith step S3108C. At step S3108C, the digital software system 704 mayprocess the third set of respective third digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate afourth set of respective fourth digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams. In embodiments, each beam of the firstplurality of beams is based on at least two respective fourth digitaldata streams.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 31D, the process may continuewith step S3108D. At step S3108D, the digital software system 704 mayprocess the fourth set of respective fourth digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of beams to generate first objectmovement information associated with the first object 108-1. Inembodiments, the first object movement information may include a firstobject angular velocity and a first object angular direction. Inembodiments, the first object angular direction may include a firstobject elevation angle component and a first object azimuth anglecomponent. For example in embodiments, one beam of the first pluralityof beams may be assigned to be a tracking beam, based on missionparameters received from the digital software system 704 via the systemcontroller 412, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 18-23 . Inembodiments, the tracking beam may be processed in order to determinethe first object movement information during the second time period.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 31D, the process may continuewith step S3108E. At step S3108E, the digital software system 704 mayupdate the graphical display 340 to display the first plurality ofbeams, the first set of objects 108 including the first object 108-1, asecond azimuth axis, and a second elevation axis. In embodiments, thefirst set of objects may be displayed based on at least the first objectmovement information. In embodiments, the second azimuth axis may bedisplayed based on the third azimuth axis component. In embodiments, thesecond elevation axis may be displayed based on the third elevation axiscomponent. In embodiments, the updated graphical display may reflect thechanges in the movement of the first set of objects and the centroid 270of the parabolic reflector 114 during the second time period.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 31 , the method may continue withstep S3110. At step S3110, the digital software system 704 may providerespective updated direction information associated with the first beamand the first parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, step S3110 mayinclude a plurality of sub-steps. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31E,the process may continue with step S3110A. At step S3110A, the digitalsoftware system 704 may generate fourth angular direction informationassociated with the first parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, thefourth angular direction information may include a fourth elevation axiscomponent and a fourth azimuth axis component. In embodiments, in thecase where there is one object being tracked, the second angulardirection information will indicate that the centroid 270 of theparabolic reflector 114 will point directly toward the first object108-1.

In embodiments, the fourth angular direction information may bedetermined by performing a “keyhole” analysis, which provides atechnical solution to the technical “keyhole” problem discussed above inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIGS.28A and 28B depict schematic illustrations of keyhole avoidance by acentroid 270 of a parabolic reflector 114 in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. FIG. 29 depicts a schematic illustration ofthe adjusted gimbal trajectory 280 associated with the centroid 270 of aparabolic reflector 114 generated based on keyhole avoidance inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may determine whether thefirst object 108-1 will pass through the keyhole associated with therange of motion of the parabolic reflector 114 based on its angulartrajectory. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, the process forkeyhole avoidance may begin with step S3110A-1. At step S3110A-1, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may determine a firstangular trajectory (e.g., referred to in FIGS. 28A and 28B as gimbaltrajectory 280) associated with the respective angular direction of thefirst parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, the first angulartrajectory may be determined based on the respective locationinformation associated with the first object 108-1, the first objectmovement information, the third angular direction information, thesecond azimuth axis, and the second elevation axis. For example, inembodiments, the angular trajectory may be based on current location ofthe object, how the object moved since the last update of the graphicaldisplay 340, the direction that the parabolic reflector 114 was pointingduring the second time period, and the location of the centroid 270 ofparabolic reflector 114 during the second time period.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, the keyhole avoidance process maycontinue with step S3110A-2. In embodiments, the digital software system704 may determine whether the first parabolic reflector 114 is projectedto exceed a maximum elevation angle based on the first angular directiontrajectory. In embodiments, the maximum elevation angle may be the anglewhere there the parabolic reflector 114 will mechanically orelectronically fail such that the system will be unable to continuetracking an object. It is critical in antenna systems that the parabolicreflector does not exceed its maximum elevation angle. In embodiments,the maximum elevation angle may be, for example, 85 degrees. Inembodiments, the maximum elevation angle may vary based on thespecifications of the parabolic reflector 114.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, in the case where the firstparabolic reflector is not projected to exceed the maximum elevationangle, the keyhole avoidance process may continue with step S3110A-3. Atstep S3110A-3, the digital software system 704 may generate the fourthangular direction information based on the first beam and the firstangular direction trajectory. In embodiments, this step is completed ifthe angular direction trajectory indicates that the object 108-1 willnot pass through the keyhole, and therefore the angular direction of thereflector 114 may be calculated by its standard process. After stepS3110A-3, the process may continue with step S3110B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, in the case where the firstparabolic reflector is projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle,the keyhole avoidance process may continue with step S3110A-4, insteadof step S3110A-3. In embodiments, at step S3110A-4, the digital softwaresystem 704 may determine whether the second elevation axis has exceededa first threshold elevation angle. In embodiments, the thresholdelevation angle may indicate a position of the reflector 114 where thecentroid 270 of the reflector 114 is approaching the maximum elevationangle, and therefore the keyhole must be avoided by using alternativecalculations for the angular direction of the reflector. For example, inembodiments, if the maximum elevation angle of the reflector 114 is 85degrees, then the threshold elevation angle may be 80 degrees. In thisexample, this may indicate that, in embodiments, if the centroid 270 ofthe reflector 114 has passed 80 degrees of elevation, the digitalsoftware system 704 must make a keyhole avoidance determination. Inembodiments, the threshold elevation angle may be set manually by a userof the graphical display 340. In embodiments, the threshold elevationangle may be set automatically by the digital software system based onreceived mission parameters or reflector specifications.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, in the case where the secondelevation axis has not exceeded the first threshold elevation angle, theprocess may continue with step S3110A-5. At step S3110A-5, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may generate the fourthangular direction information based on the first beam and the firstangular direction trajectory. In embodiments, if the object is projectedto pass through the keyhole but the threshold elevation angle has notyet been exceeded, the fourth angular direction information will becalculated by the standard process based on the angular trajectory ofthe object. After step S3110A-5, the process may continue with stepS3110B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, in the case where the secondelevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle, theprocess may continue from step S3110A-4 with step S3110A-6 instead. Atstep S3110A-6, in embodiments, the digital software system 704 maycalculate a first tangent trajectory (e.g., referred to in FIG. 29 asadjusted gimbal trajectory 290) associated with the respective angulardirection of the first parabolic reflector based on the first angulardirection trajectory. In embodiments, the first tangent trajectory mayinclude a first azimuth trajectory and a first tangent trajectory. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, in embodiments, when thecentroid 270 exceeds the first maximum threshold angle, the angulardirection of centroid 270 is calculated based on a tangential componentof the angular direction. In embodiments, for example, when the centroid270 exceeds threshold angle, the digital software system may calculate anearest tangent, which may be a tangent line to the left of the angulartrajectory (e.g., T_(l)), or a tangent line to the right of the angulartrajectory (e.g., T_(r)). Continuing this example, in embodiments, thedigital software system 704 may then generate the angular direction ofthe parabolic reflector 114 such that the angular direction follows thenearest tangent while the first beam maintains its direction toward thefirst object 108-1 even while it passes through the keyhole.

In FIG. 28A, as the centroid 270 exceeds the threshold elevation angle(e.g., 80 degrees in this example), the digital software system 704determines that the nearest tangent is to the left (e.g., T_(l)) of theangular trajectory. In FIG. 28B, which may occur during a next timeperiod after FIG. 28A, the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 moves alongthe tangent line to avoid crossing the maximum elevation angle (e.g., 85degrees in this example). FIG. 29 depicts another exemplary embodimentof the process for keyhole avoidance where the maximum elevation angleis 87 degrees. In embodiments, the threshold elevation angle and themaximum elevation angle may be any set of angles. In embodiments, thekeyhole avoidance using fine loop pointing allows reflector 114 torotate over a longer period of time and at a slower rate because digitalsoftware system 704 is able to continue tracking the first object 108-1with the first beam even while the centroid 270 is not pointing directlyat the object.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31F, the process may continue fromstep S3110A-6 with step S3110A-7. In embodiments, at step S3110A-7, thedigital software system 704 may generate the fourth angular directioninformation based on the first beam and the first tangent trajectory. Inembodiments, this angular direction information may indicate that thecentroid 270 will follow the tangent trajectory such that the maximumelevation angle is not exceeded, while maintaining the first beam in thedirection of the first object 108-1.

In embodiments, the fourth angular direction information may bedetermined by the digital software system based on the following set ofcomputer instructions:

  static constexpr double T = 5.0;  static constexpr double R = 3.0;   { // Keyhole avoidance      if gimbal-elevation > 90.0 −keyhole-radius-tolerance xy-pos-vector p is{sin(gimbal-azimuth)*gimbal-elevation, cos(gimbal-azimuth)*gimbal-     elevation); xy-rate-vector r is{sin(target-azimuth-rate)*target-elevation-rate, cos(target-azimuth-     rate)*target-elevation-rate};      if p intersectscircle(keyhole-radius) pos-vector t[2] istangents(circle(keyhole-radius), p) if angle(t[0], gimbal-xy) <angle(t[1], gimbal)     gimbal-xy += (t[0] −gimbal_xy)*gimbal-motion-rate      else   gimbal-xy += (t[1] −gimbal_x)*gimbal-motion-rate

For example, in embodiments, the computer instructions may be used tofirst determine whether the centroid 270 has reached the thresholdelevation angle (e.g., “ifgimbal-elevation>90.0−keyhole-radius-tolerance). In embodiments, if thethreshold has been exceeded, the computer instructions may then be usedto determine the left and right tangents of the trajectory of thecentroid 270 (e.g., if angle(t[0], gimbal-xy)<angle(t[1], gimbal)). Inembodiments, the computer instructions may then be used to determine thenearest tangent trajectory (e.g., if((t0[1]*t1[0]−t0[0]*t1[1])*(t0[1]*r[0]−t0[0]*r[1])<0.0)). Inembodiments, the computer instructions may then be used to instruct thedigital software system 704 to adjust the centroid 270 of the parabolicreflector 114 to the nearest tangent trajectory (e.g.,gimbal-xy+=(t[0]−gimbal_xy)*gimbal-motion-rate).

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 31E, the process may continuewith step S3110B. At step S3110B, in embodiments, the digital softwaresystem 704 may generate a respective second weighting factor associatedwith the first beam as part of a second array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams. In embodiments, therespective weighting factor may be determined based on the first angulardirection trajectory, the fourth angular direction information, thefirst object movement information, the second azimuth axis, and thesecond elevation axis. In embodiments, the respective second weightingfactor will be used by a respective digital beamformer 306-n, along withthe second array of weighting factors, to direct the first beam to thefirst object 108-1. In the case where the centroid 270 is moved awayfrom the direction of the first object 108-1 based on the tangenttrajectory, in embodiments, the second weighting factor will bedetermined based on the first tangent trajectory such that the firstbeam will maintain its direction towards the first object 108-1. Forexample, in embodiments, the respective second weighting factor alongwith the second array of weighting factors may be generated by the usingthe formulas discussed above with respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31E, the process may continue withstep 3110C. At step S3110C, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may transmit the fourth angular direction information to the firstparabolic reflector 114 via the pedestal controller 124. In embodiments,the fourth angular direction information may cause the first parabolicreflector 114 to rotate based on the information received via thepedestal controller 124.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 31E, the process may continue withstep 3110D. At step S3110D, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may transmit the respective second weighting factor to therespective digital beamformer 306-n via the system controller 412. Inembodiments, the respective second weighting factor received along withthe second array of weighting factors may cause an adjustment of thefirst beam such that the first beam maintains its direction toward thefirst object 108-1. For example, in embodiments, the respective secondweighting factor along with the second array of weighting factors may betransmitted to the plurality of digital beamformers 306-n as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 22 .

Multiple Object Pointing

In the case that there are two objects in the set of at least oneobject, referring to FIG. 32A in embodiments, the process may continuefrom step S3104C (of FIG. 31B) with step 3204A. In embodiments, theremay be additional objects in the set of at least one object. At step3204A, in embodiments, the second object 108-2 displayed by thegraphical display 340 may be selected using the digital software system704. In embodiments, the second object 108-2 may be selectedautomatically by the digital software system 704 based oncharacteristics of the second object. In embodiments, thecharacteristics may include object velocity, mass, and/or acceleration,to name a few. In embodiments, the second object 108-2 may be selectedmanually by a user using one or more input elements operably connectedto the digital software system 704 via the graphical display 340. Inembodiments, selection may be based on selection information provided bythe user. In embodiments, the selection information may be providedusing one or more input devices operatively connected to the digitalsoftware system. In embodiments, the input devices may include one ormore of a keyboard, mouse, button, switch, and/or touchscreen, to name afew.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 32A, in the case that there are twoobjects in the set of at least one object, the process may continue withstep S3204B. At step S3204B, second priority information may be assignedto the second object 108-2 using the digital software system 704. Inembodiments, the second priority information may be assigned to thesecond object 108-1 automatically by the digital software system 704based on characteristics of the second object. In embodiments, thecharacteristics may include object velocity, mass, and/or acceleration,to name a few. In embodiments, the first priority information may beassigned to the second object 108-2 manually by a user using one or moreinput elements operably connected to the digital software system 704 viathe graphical display 340. In embodiments, the second priorityinformation may be a weight assigned to the second object 108-2. Forexample, in embodiments, the first priority information may be a primaryobject weight and the second priority information may be a primaryobject weight. In embodiments, the first priority information may be aprimary object weight and the second priority information may be asecondary object weight. In embodiments, the first priority informationmay be a primary object weight and the second priority information maybe a ternary object weight. In embodiments, the first priorityinformation may be a secondary object weight and the second priorityinformation may be a primary object weight. In embodiments, the firstpriority information may be a secondary object weight and the secondpriority information may be a secondary object weight. In embodiments,the first priority information may be a secondary object weight and thesecond priority information may be a ternary object weight. Inembodiments, the first priority information may be a ternary objectweight and the second priority information may be a primary objectweight. In embodiments, the first priority information may be a ternaryobject weight and the second priority information may be a secondaryobject weight. In embodiments, the first priority information may be aternary object weight and the second priority information may be aternary object weight.

In embodiments, if a first object has a higher priority than a secondobject, the digital software system 704 will generate angular directioninformation such that the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 will beweighted toward the first object 108-1. In embodiments, if two objectshave the same priority level, the digital software system will treatthem the same and the angular direction information generated and sentto the reflector 114 will cause the centroid 270 to point equidistantfrom each object. For example, in embodiments, if the first object 108-1is assigned a primary object weight of 1, and the second object 108-2 isassigned a secondary object weight of 0.5, the centroid 270 will beweighted toward the first object 108-1. However, in embodiments, if thefirst object 108-1 is assigned a primary object weight of 1, and thesecond object 108-2 is assigned a primary object weight of 1, thedigital software system 704 will weigh the objects equally and directthe centroid 270 equidistant from the two objects. FIG. 30C is aschematic illustration of a graphical display 340 displaying 2 objectshaving equal weights. In embodiments, the graphical display 340 shows alist of the set of at least one object, and a list of options whichallow the assignment of priority information (e.g., primary, secondary,and ternary).

In embodiments, additional objects may be selected and assigned priorityinformation using the digital software system 704 and simultaneouslytracked. In embodiments, the number of objects that may be trackedsimultaneously may equal the number of beams included in the firstplurality of beams generated by the respective plurality of digitalbeamformers 306-n.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 32A, in the case that there are twoobjects in the set of at least one object, the process may continue fromstep S3204B with step S3204C. At step S3204C, the digital softwaresystem 704 may assign a second beam of the plurality of beams to thesecond object 108-2. In embodiments, the second beam will be directed tothe second object 108-2 in order to receive and/or transmit radiofrequency signals to/from the object, as further described below.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33 , the process of multiple objectpointing may continue with step S3306. At step S3306, the digitalsoftware system 704 may provide respective direction informationassociated with the first beam, the second beam, and the first parabolicreflector 114. In embodiments, step S3306 may include a plurality ofsub-steps. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33A, the process maycontinue with the sub-step S3306A. At step S3306A, the digital softwaresystem 704 may generate a respective first weighting factor associatedwith the first beam as part of a first array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams. In embodiments, therespective first weighting factor may be generated based on therespective location information associated with the first object 108-1,the first azimuth axis, and the first elevation axis. In embodiments,the respective first weighting factor will be used by a first respectivedigital beamformer 306-1, along with the first array of weightingfactors, to direct the first beam to the first object 108-1. Forexample, in embodiments, the respective first weighting factor alongwith the first array of weighting factors may be generated by the usingthe formulas discussed above with respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33A, the process may continue with thesub-step S3306B. At step S3306B, the digital software system 704 maygenerate a respective second weighting factor associated with the secondbeam as part of the first array of weighting factors associated with thefirst plurality of beams. In embodiments, the respective secondweighting factor may be generated based on the respective locationinformation associated with the second object 108-2, the first azimuthaxis, and the first elevation axis. In embodiments, the respectivesecond weighting factor will be used by a second respective digitalbeamformer 306-2, along with the first array of weighting factors, todirect the second beam to the second object 108-2. For example, inembodiments, the respective second weighting factor along with the firstarray of weighting factors may be generated by the using the formulasdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33A, the process may continuewith sub-step S3306C. At step S3306C, the digital software system 704may generate second angular direction information associated with theparabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, the second angular directioninformation may include a second azimuth axis component and a secondelevation axis component. In embodiments, the second angular directioninformation may be generated based on the first beam, the second beam,the respective location information associated with the first object108-1, the respective location information associated with the secondobject 108-2, the first priority information, the second priorityinformation, the first azimuth axis, and the first elevation axis. Inembodiments, in the case where there are two objects being tracked, thesecond angular direction information will indicate that the centroid 270of the parabolic reflector 114 will point in a weighted position betweenthe first object 108-1 and the second 108-1, based on the assigned firstand second priority information. In embodiments, for example, if thefirst object 108-1 is assigned a higher priority than the second object,the centroid 270 will be weighted toward the first object 108-1. Inembodiments, if there are many objects being tracked, the centroid 270will be weighted based on the priority information of each object 108being tracked.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33A, the process may continuewith step S3306D. At step S3306D, the respective first weighting factorassociated with first beam may be transmitted from the digital softwaresystem 704 to a first respective digital beamformer 306-n of a pluralityof digital beamformers via a system controller 412. In embodiments, thefirst respective digital beamformer 306-n may be operatively connectedto the plurality of antenna array elements 304-n and the systemcontroller 412. In embodiments, the system controller 412 may providethe respective first weighting factor to the respective digitalbeamformer 306-n so that the first respective digital beamformer 306-nmay direct the first beam to the first object 108-1. For example, inembodiments, the respective first weighting factor along with the firstarray of weighting factors may be transmitted to the plurality ofdigital beamformers 306-n as discussed above with respect to FIG. 22 .

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33A, the process may continuewith step S3306E. At step S3306E, the respective second weighting factorassociated with second beam may be transmitted from the digital softwaresystem 704 to a second respective digital beamformer 306-n of aplurality of digital beamformers via the system controller 412. Inembodiments, the second respective digital beamformer 306-n may beoperatively connected to the plurality of antenna array elements 304-nand the system controller 412. In embodiments, the system controller 412may provide the respective second weighting factor to the secondrespective digital beamformer 306-n so that the second respectivedigital beamformer 306-n may direct the second beam to the second object108-2. For example, in embodiments, the respective second weightingfactor along with the first array of weighting factors may betransmitted to the plurality of digital beamformers 306-n as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 22 .

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33A, the process may continuewith step S3306F. At step S3306F, the digital software system 704 maytransmit the second angular direction information via the pedestalcontroller 124 to the first parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments,pedestal controller 124 may direct the movement and rotation of theparabolic reflector 114 based on the second angular directioninformation. For example, in embodiments, the second angular directioninformation may cause the pedestal controller 124 to rotate theparabolic reflector 114 up and down to change the elevation angle,and/or around the azimuth axis to change the azimuth angle.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 33 , the method may continue withstep S3308. At step S3308, the digital software system 704 may updatethe graphical display 340 during a second time period. In embodiments,for example, the first time period may be 5 milliseconds, and the secondtime period may be the next 5 milliseconds. Therefore, in embodimentsfor example, the graphical display 340 may be updated every 5milliseconds. In embodiments, the second time period may be differentfrom the first time period. In embodiments, the graphical display 340may be updated to reflect movement of the set of at least one object 108during the second time period.

In embodiments, the process may instead begin with step S3308. Forexample, in embodiments, the process may begin where a graphical display340 has already been generated by a digital software system 740, and thefirst set of objects, including the first object 108-1 and the secondobject 108-2, is already being tracked by the system such that a firstbeam is directed to the first object 108-1 and a second beam is directedto the second object 108-2, prior to the start of the process. Inembodiments, the process may begin with updating the graphical display340 to reflect the movement of the first object 108-1 and the secondobject 108-2 during a next time period.

In embodiments, step S3308 may include a plurality of sub-steps. Inembodiments, referring to FIG. 33B, the process may continue with stepS3308A. At step S3308A, the digital software system 704 may receivethird angular direction information associated with the first parabolicreflector 114 via the pedestal controller 124. In embodiments, the thirdangular direction information may include a third azimuth axis componentand a third elevation axis component. In embodiments, the third angulardirection information may be the same as the second angular directiontransmitted to the parabolic reflector 114 in step S3306F. Inembodiments, the third angular direction information may be differentfrom the second angular direction transmitted to the parabolic reflector114 in step S3306F.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33B, the process may continue withstep S3308B. At step S3308B, the digital software system 704 may receivea third set of respective third digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of partial beams. In embodiments, each respectivepartial beam of the first plurality of partial beams may be associatedwith a respective third digital data associated with a second pluralityof respective modulated signals received by the plurality of antennaarray elements 304. In embodiments, second plurality of respectivemodulated signals are received by the plurality of antenna arrayelements, processed by the respective digital beamformer 306-n, andreceived by the digital software system 704 during the second timeperiod.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33B, the process may continuewith step S3308C. At step S3308C, the digital software system 704 mayprocess the third set of respective third digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate afourth set of a respective fourth digital data stream associated withthe first plurality of beams. In embodiments, each beam of the firstplurality of beams is based on at least two respective fourth digitaldata streams.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33B, the process may continuewith step S3308D. At step S3308D, the digital software system 704 mayprocess the fourth set of respective fourth digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of beams to generate first objectmovement information associated with the first object 108-1, and secondobject movement information associated with the second object 108-2. Inembodiments, the first object movement information may include a firstobject angular velocity and a first object angular direction. Inembodiments, the first object angular direction may include a firstobject elevation angle component and a first object azimuth anglecomponent. In embodiments, the second object movement information mayinclude a second object angular velocity and a second object angulardirection. In embodiments, the second object angular direction mayinclude a second object elevation angle component and a second objectazimuth angle component. For example in embodiments, one beam of thefirst plurality of beams may be assigned to be a tracking beam, based onmission parameters received from the digital software system 704 via thesystem controller 412, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 18-23 .In embodiments, the tracking beam may be processed in order to determinethe first object movement information and the second object movementinformation during the second time period.

In embodiments, still referring to FIG. 33B, the process may continuewith step S3308E. At step S3308E, the digital software system 704 mayupdate the graphical display 340 to display the first plurality ofbeams, the first set of objects 108, including the first object 108-1and the second object 108-2, a second azimuth axis, and a secondelevation axis. In embodiments, the first set of objects may bedisplayed based on at least the first object movement information andthe second object movement information. In embodiments, the secondazimuth axis may be displayed based on the third azimuth axis component.In embodiments, the second elevation axis may be displayed based on thethird elevation axis component. In embodiments, the updated graphicaldisplay may reflect the changes in the movement of the first set ofobjects and the centroid 270 of the parabolic reflector 114 during thesecond time period.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 33 , the process may continuewith step S3310. At step S3310, the digital software system 704 maydetermine whether to unassign the first beam from the first object108-1, or the second beam from the second object 108-2. In embodiments,referring to FIG. 33C, step S3310 may include a plurality of sub-steps.In embodiments, the process may continue with sub-step S3310A of FIG.33C. At step S3310A, in embodiments, the digital software system 704 maydetermine whether one of the first object 108-1 or the second object108-2 has exceeded a first maximum distance 272 from the secondelevation axis and the second azimuth axis. In embodiments, thedetermination by the digital software system 704 as to whether one ofthe objects has exceeded the first maximum distance 272 may be based onthe respective location information associated with the first object108-1, the respective location information associated with the secondobject 108-2, the first object movement information, the second objectmovement information, the second azimuth axis, and the second elevationaxis.

For example, in embodiments, if the digital software system 704determines that one of the objects will fall outside the range of thewide beam, the system must determine which object to abandon tracking.FIGS. 27A and 27B are schematic illustrations of the process formultiple object tracking using fine loop pointing in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 27A, in embodiments, aprimary target 108-1, a first secondary target 108-2, and a secondsecondary target 108-3 are each within the maximum distance 272 of thecentroid 270 of a parabolic reflector 114. Therefore, in embodiments,the digital software system 704 weights each target based on itsrespective priority information and directs the centroid 270 accordinglyin order to track each object using a plurality of beams. At some latertime, in FIG. 27B in embodiments, the secondary objects have exceededthe maximum distance 272 from the centroid 270 and the secondary objectsare abandoned in favor of the primary target 108-1. In embodiments, thecentroid 270 is adjusted to point directly toward the primary target108-1 so that the respective beam may continue pointing toward theprimary target 108-1.

In embodiments, in the case where neither the first object 108-1 nor thesecond object 108-2 has exceeded the first maximum distance 272, theprocess may continue with step S3312 of FIG. 33D (as described ingreater detail below).

In embodiments, in the case where one of the first object 108-1 and thesecond object 108-2 has exceeded the first maximum distance 272,referring to FIG. 33C the process may instead continue with sub-stepS3310B. At step S3310B, in embodiments, the digital software system 704may determine whether the first object 108-1 or the second object 108-2has higher priority based on the first priority information and thesecond priority information.

In embodiments, in the case where the first object 108-1 has a higherpriority than the second object 108-2 based on the priority information,the process may continue from step S3310B with step S3310C. At stepS3310C, in embodiments, the digital software system 704 may unassign thesecond beam from the second object 108-2. In embodiments, the digitalsoftware system 704 may then provide respective updated directioninformation associated with the first beam and the first parabolicreflector 114 as described with respect to step S3314 of FIG. 33F.

In embodiments, in the case where the second object 108-1 has a higherpriority than the first object 108-1 based on the priority information,the process may continue from step S3310B instead with step S3310D. Atstep S3310D, in embodiments, the digital software system 704 mayunassign the first beam from the first object 108-1. In embodiments, thedigital software system 704 may then provide respective updateddirection information associated with the second beam and the firstparabolic reflector 114 as described with respect to step S3316 of FIG.33H.

In embodiments, where either the first object 108-1 or the second object108-2 has been unassigned, the process may then continue with the singleobject tracking process, as discussed with respect to the providing stepS3110 in FIG. 31E. Therefore, in embodiments, after step S3310C in FIG.33C, the process may continue to step S3110 in FIG. 31E using only thefirst object 108-1 and the first beam. And, in embodiments, after stepS3310D in FIG. 33C, the process may continue to step S3110 in FIG. 31Eusing only the second object 108-2 and the second beam.

In embodiments, the determination of whether to unassign one of theobjects may be based on the following set of computer instructions:

  PntVect gimbal_centroid(0);  Target *primary_target = nullptr;  floatweight sum = 0.0;  // Sum the gimbal weights of all targets, anddetermine first primary target  for (Target *target : target_) {  weight_sum += target->getGimbalWeightht( );   if (primary_target ==nullptr && target- >getGimbalWeight( ) >= Target::PRIMARY_TARGET)   primary_target = target;  }  // If no targets have gimbal weights, donothing  if (weight_sum == 0.0)   return;  // Sum the product of thetarget pointing vector and its weight gain to determine the weightedcentroid  for (Target *target : targets_) {   float magnitude =target->getPntVect( ).pos.mag( );   float gain = magnitude > 0.0f ? 1.0f/ (magnitude*weight_sum) : 0.0f;   gimbal_centroid +=target->getPntVect( )*target- >getGimbalWeight( )*gain;  }  // If anglebetween the weighted centroid exceeds threshold, simply point at thefirst primary target  if (primary_target != nullptr && ang(primary_target- >getPntVect( ) .pos, gimbal_centroid) >missionModel_.getPrimaryTargetMaxAngle( ) )   gimbal_centroid =primary_target->getPntVect( ) .pos, gimbal centroid);  // Point gimbalto this weighted centroid pointingModel_.setGimbalTargetedPntVect(gimbal_centroid);

In embodiments, the computer instructions may be used to first determinethe total of the priority information for each target (e.g., gimbalweights for all targets). In embodiments, if none of the targets areassigned priority information, then the system does nothing. Inembodiments, the computer instructions may then be used to determine theangular direction information (e.g., the centroid 270 of the parabolicreflector 114) based on the location information associated with theobjects and the priority information. In embodiments, if one of theobjects (including the primary target) exceeds the threshold, theangular direction is calculated in order move the centroid 270 towardthe primary target.

In embodiments, referring now to FIG. 33D, in the case where neither thefirst object 108-1 nor the second object 108-2 has exceeded the firstmaximum distance 272, the process may continue with step S3312. At stepS3312, the digital software system 704 may provide respective updateddirection information associated with the first beam, the second beam,and the first parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, step S3112 mayinclude a plurality of sub-steps. In embodiments, referring to sub-step3312A, the process may continue with step S3110A. At step S3110A, thedigital software system 704 may generate fourth angular directioninformation associated with the first parabolic reflector 114. Inembodiments, the fourth angular direction information may include afourth elevation axis component and a fourth azimuth axis component. Inembodiments, in the case where there are two objects being tracked, thefourth angular direction information will indicate that the centroid 270of the parabolic reflector 114 will be directed to a weighted pointbetween the first object 108-1 and the second object 108-2 depending onthe first and second priority information.

In embodiments, the fourth angular direction information may bedetermined by performing a “keyhole” analysis (discussed with respect toFIGS. 28A, 28B and 29 above). The same analysis may be applied toavoiding the keyhole while tracking two or more objects. For example, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may determine whether thecentroid 270 will pass through the keyhole of the antenna's pointingauthority based on the angular trajectory of the set of at least oneobject. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, the process for keyholeavoidance may begin with step S3312A-1. At step S3312A-1, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may determine a firstangular trajectory (e.g., referred to in FIGS. 28A and 28B as gimbaltrajectory 280) associated with the respective angular direction of thefirst parabolic reflector 114. In embodiments, the first angulartrajectory may be determined based on the respective locationinformation associated with the first object 108-1, the respectivelocation information associated with the second object 108-2, the firstpriority information, the second priority information, the first objectmovement information, the second object movement information, the thirdangular direction information, the second azimuth axis, and the secondelevation axis. For example, in embodiments, the angular trajectory maybe based on a current location of each object, the priority informationassociated with each object, how each object has moved since the lastupdate of the graphical display 340, the direction that the parabolicreflector 114 was pointing during the second time period, and thelocation of the centroid 270 of parabolic reflector 114 during thesecond time period.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, the keyhole avoidance process maycontinue with step S3312A-2. In embodiments, the digital software system704 may determine whether the first parabolic reflector 114 is projectedto exceed a maximum elevation angle based on the first angular directiontrajectory. In embodiments, the maximum elevation angle may be the anglewhere there the parabolic reflector 114 will mechanically orelectronically fail such that the system will be unable to continuetracking an object. It is critical in antenna systems that the parabolicreflector does not exceed its maximum elevation angle. In embodiments,the maximum elevation angle may be, for example, 85 degrees. Inembodiments, the maximum elevation angle may vary based on thespecifications of the parabolic reflector 114.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, in the case where the firstparabolic reflector 114 is not projected to exceed the maximum elevationangle, the keyhole avoidance process may continue with step S3312A-3. Atstep S3110A-3, the digital software system 704 may generate the fourthangular direction information based on the first beam, the second beam,and the first angular direction trajectory. In embodiments, this step iscompleted if the angular direction trajectory indicates that thecentroid 270 will not pass through the keyhole, and therefore theangular direction of the reflector 114 may be calculated by its standardprocess. After step S3312A-3, the process may continue with step S3312B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, in the case where the firstparabolic reflector 114 is projected to exceed the maximum elevationangle, the keyhole avoidance process may continue with step S3312A-4,instead of step S3312A-3. In embodiments, at step S3312A-4, the digitalsoftware system 704 may determine whether the second elevation axis hasexceeded a first threshold elevation angle. In embodiments, the firstthreshold elevation angle may indicate a position of the reflector 114where the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 is approaching the maximumelevation angle, and therefore the keyhole must be avoided by usingalternative calculations for generating the angular direction totransmit to the reflector. For example, in embodiments, if the maximumelevation angle of the reflector 114 is 85 degrees, then the thresholdelevation angle may be 80 degrees. In this example, this may indicatethat, in embodiments, if the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 haspassed 80 degrees of elevation, the digital software system 704 mustmake a keyhole avoidance determination. In embodiments, the thresholdelevation angle may be set manually by a user of the graphical display340. In embodiments, the threshold elevation angle may be setautomatically by the digital software system 704 based on receivedmission parameters or reflector specifications.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, in the case where the secondelevation axis has not exceeded the first threshold elevation angle, theprocess may continue with step S3312A-5. At step S3312A-5, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may generate the fourthangular direction information based on the first beam, the second beam,and the first angular direction trajectory. In embodiments, if thecentroid 270 is projected to pass through the keyhole but the thresholdelevation angle has not yet been exceeded, the fourth angular directioninformation will be calculated by the standard process based on theangular trajectory of the centroid 270. After step S3312A-5, the processmay continue with step S3312B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, in the case where the secondelevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle, theprocess may continue from step S3110A-4 to step S3312A-6 instead. Atstep S3312A-6, in embodiments, the digital software system 704 maycalculate a first tangent trajectory (e.g., referred to in FIG. 29 asadjusted gimbal trajectory 290) associated with the respective angulardirection of the first parabolic reflector 114 based on the firstangular direction trajectory. In embodiments, the first tangenttrajectory may include a first azimuth trajectory and a first tangenttrajectory. For example, referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, in embodiments,when the centroid 270 exceeds the first maximum threshold angle, theangular direction of centroid 270 is calculated based on a tangentialcomponent of the angular direction. In embodiments, for example, whenthe centroid 270 exceeds threshold angle, the digital software systemmay calculate a nearest tangent, which may be a tangent line to the leftof the angular trajectory (e.g., T_(l)), or a tangent line to the rightof the angular trajectory (e.g., T_(r)). Continuing this example, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may then generate theangular direction of the parabolic reflector 114 such that the angulardirection follows the nearest tangent while the first beam maintains itsdirection toward the first object 108-1, and the second beam maintainsits direction toward the second object 108-2, even while each objectpasses through the keyhole. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 28Aand 28B, for example, as the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 followsthe tangent line, the elevation angle thereof stays at or below themaximum elevation angle.

In FIG. 28A, as the centroid 270 exceeds the threshold elevation angle(e.g., 80 degrees in this example), the digital software system 704determines that the nearest tangent is to the left (e.g., T_(l)) of theangular trajectory. In FIG. 28B, which may occur during a next timeperiod after FIG. 28A, the centroid 270 of the reflector 114 moves alongthe tangent line to avoid crossing the maximum elevation angle (e.g., 85degrees in this example) while continuing communication with the firstobject 108-1 and the second object 108-2. FIG. 29 depicts anotherexemplary embodiment of the process for keyhole avoidance where themaximum elevation angle is 87 degrees. In embodiments, the thresholdelevation angle and the maximum elevation angle may be any set ofangles. In embodiments, the keyhole avoidance using fine loop pointingallows reflector 114 to rotate over a longer period of time and at aslower rate because digital software system 704 is able to continuetracking the first object 108-1 with the first beam and the secondobject 108-2 (or more objects) even while the centroid 270 is notpointing at its normal weighted position between each object.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33E, the process may continue fromstep S3312A-6 with step S3312A-7. In embodiments, at step S3312A-7, thedigital software system 704 may generate the fourth angular directioninformation based on the first beam, the second beam, and the firsttangent trajectory. In embodiments, this angular direction informationmay indicate that the centroid 270 will follow the tangent trajectorysuch that the maximum elevation angle is not exceeded, while maintainingthe first beam in the direction of the first object 108-1, and thesecond beam in the direction of the second object 108-2.

In embodiments, referring back to FIG. 33D, after performing a keyholeanalysis the process may continue with step S3312B. At step S3312B, inembodiments, the digital software system 704 may generate a respectivethird weighting factor associated with the first beam as part of asecond array of weighting factors associated with the first plurality ofbeams. In embodiments, the respective third weighting factor may bedetermined based on the first angular direction trajectory, the fourthangular direction information, the first object movement information,the second azimuth axis, and the second elevation axis. In embodiments,the respective third weighting factor will be used by the respectivefirst digital beamformer 306-n, along with the second array of weightingfactors, to direct the first beam to the first object 108-1. In the casewhere the centroid 270 is moved away from the direction of the firstobject 108-1 based on the tangent trajectory, in embodiments, the thirdweighting factor will be determined based on the first tangenttrajectory such that the first beam will maintain its direction towardsthe first object 108-1. For example, in embodiments, the respectivethird weighting factor along with the second array of weighting factorsmay be generated by the using the formulas discussed above with respectto FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33D, the process may continue withstep S3312C. At step S3312C, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may generate a respective fourth weighting factor associated withthe second beam as part of the second array of weighting factorsassociated with the first plurality of beams. In embodiments, therespective weighting factor may be determined based on the first angulardirection trajectory, the fourth angular direction information, thesecond object movement information, the second azimuth axis, and thesecond elevation axis. In embodiments, the respective fourth weightingfactor will be used by the respective second digital beamformer 306-n,along with the second array of weighting factors, to direct the secondbeam to the second object 108-2. In the case where the centroid 270 ismoved away from the direction of the second object 108-2 based on thetangent trajectory, in embodiments, the fourth weighting factor will bedetermined based on the first tangent trajectory such that the secondbeam will maintain its direction towards the second object 108-2. Forexample, in embodiments, the respective fourth weighting factor alongwith the second array of weighting factors may be generated by the usingthe formulas discussed above with respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33D, the process may continue withstep 3312D. At step S3110C, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may transmit the fourth angular direction information to the firstparabolic reflector 114 via the pedestal controller 124. In embodiments,the fourth angular direction information may cause the first parabolicreflector 114 to rotate based on the information received via thepedestal controller 124.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33D, the process may continue withstep 3312E. At step S3312E, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may transmit the respective third weighting factor to the respectivefirst digital beamformer 306-n via the system controller 412. Inembodiments, the respective third weighting factor received along withthe second array of weighting factors may cause an adjustment of thefirst beam such that the first beam maintains its direction toward thefirst object 108-1. For example, in embodiments, the respective thirdweighting factor along with the second array of weighting factors may betransmitted to the plurality of digital beamformers 306-n as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 22 .

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 33D, the process may continue withstep 3312F. At step S3312F, in embodiments, the digital software system704 may transmit the respective fourth weighting factor to therespective second digital beamformer 306-n via the system controller412. In embodiments, the respective fourth weighting factor receivedalong with the second array of weighting factors may cause an adjustmentof the second beam such that the second beam maintains its directiontoward the second object 108-2. For example, in embodiments, therespective fourth weighting factor along with the second array ofweighting factors may be transmitted to the plurality of digitalbeamformers 306-n as discussed above with respect to FIG. 22 .

Now that embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon canbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, theexemplary embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, areintended to be illustrative, not limiting. The spirit and scope of thepresent invention is to be construed broadly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system comprising: one or moreprocessors; and memory operably connected to the one or more processors,wherein the memory includes processor executable instructions, which,when executed by the one or more processors performs steps of: (a)updating a graphical display associated with the computer system duringa first time period by the steps of: i. receiving, via a pedestalcontroller operatively connected to a first parabolic reflector, firstangular direction information comprising a first azimuth axis componentand a first elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector; ii. receiving, via a data transport bus, a first set ofrespective first digital data streams associated with a first pluralityof partial beams, wherein each respective partial beam of the firstplurality of partial beams is associated with a respective first digitaldata stream and data in the respective first digital data stream isassociated with a first plurality of respective modulated radiofrequency signals received by a plurality of antenna array elements;iii. processing the first set of respective first digital data streamsassociated with the first plurality of partial beams to generate asecond set of respective second digital data streams associated with thefirst plurality of beams, wherein each beam of the first plurality ofbeams is based on at least two respective first digital data streams,and wherein a first beam is assigned to a first object and a second beamis assigned to a second object; iv. processing the second set ofrespective second digital data streams associated with the firstplurality of beams to generate: (1) first location informationassociated with the first object; (2) second location informationassociated with the second object; (3) first object movement informationassociated with the first object; and (4) second object movementinformation associated with the second object,  wherein the first objectmovement information comprises a first object angular velocity and afirst object angular direction, and wherein the first object angulardirection comprises a first object elevation angle component and a firstobject azimuth angle component,  wherein the second object movementinformation comprises a second object angular velocity and a secondobject angular direction, and wherein the second object angulardirection comprises a second object elevation angle component and asecond object azimuth angle component, and  wherein the first object isassociated with first priority information and the second object isassociated with second priority information; and v. updating thegraphical display to display: (1) the first plurality of beams; (2) thefirst object based at least on the first object movement information;(3) the second object based at least on the second object movementinformation; (4) a first azimuth axis based on the first azimuth axiscomponent; and (5) a first elevation axis based on the first elevationaxis component; (b) determining whether to unassign the first beam fromthe first object or the second beam from the second object by the stepsof: i. determining whether one of the first object and the second objecthas exceeded a first maximum distance from the second elevation axis andthe second azimuth axis based on: (1) the first location informationassociated with the first object; (2) the second location informationassociated with the second object; (3) the first object movementinformation; (4) the second object movement information; (5) the firstazimuth axis; and (6) the first elevation axis; and (c) in the casewhere one of the first object and the second object has not exceeded thefirst maximum distance, providing respective updated directioninformation associated with the first beam, the second beam and thefirst parabolic reflector by the steps of: i. generating second angulardirection information comprising a second azimuth axis component and asecond elevation axis component associated with the first parabolicreflector by the steps of: a. determining a first angular directiontrajectory associated with the respective angular direction of the firstparabolic reflector based on:  i. the first location informationassociated with the first object;  ii. the second location informationassociated with the second object;  iii. the first priority information; iv. the second priority information;  v. the first object movementinformation;  vi. the second object movement information;  vii. thefirst angular direction information;  viii. the first azimuth axis;  ix.the first elevation axis; b. determining whether the first parabolicreflector is projected to exceed a maximum elevation angle based on thefirst angular direction trajectory; c. in the case where the firstparabolic reflector is not projected to exceed the maximum elevationangle, generating the second angular direction information based on:  i.the first beam;  ii. the second beam; and  iii. the first angulardirection trajectory; d. in the case where the first parabolic reflectoris projected to exceed the maximum elevation angle, determining whetherthe second elevation axis has exceeded a first threshold elevationangle; e. in the case where the second elevation has not exceeded thefirst threshold elevation angle, generating the second angular directioninformation based on:  i. the first beam;  ii. the second beam; and iii. the first angular direction trajectory; f. in the case where thesecond elevation axis has exceeded the first threshold elevation angle,calculating a first tangent trajectory associated with the respectiveangular direction of the first parabolic reflector based on the firstangular direction trajectory, wherein the first tangent trajectorycomprises a first azimuth trajectory component and a first elevationtrajectory component; g. generating the second angular directioninformation based on:  i. the first beam;  ii. the second beam; and iii. the first tangent trajectory; ii. generating a respective firstweighting factor associated with the first beam as part of a first arrayof weighting factors associated with the first plurality of beams basedon: (1) the first angular direction trajectory; (2) the second angulardirection information; (3) the first object movement information; (4)the first azimuth axis; and (5) the first elevation axis; iii.generating a respective second weighting factor associated with thesecond beam as part of the first array of weighting factors associatedwith the first plurality of beams based on: (1) the first angulardirection trajectory; (2) the second angular direction information; (3)the second object movement information; (4) the first azimuth axis; and(5) the first elevation axis; iv. transmitting, via the pedestalcontroller to the first parabolic reflector, the second angulardirection information, wherein the pedestal controller adjusts therespective angular direction associated with the first parabolicreflector based on the second angular direction information; v.transmitting, via a system controller to a first respective digitalbeamformer of a plurality of digital beamformers operatively connectedto the plurality of antenna array elements and the system controller,the respective first weighting factor; and vi. transmitting, via thesystem controller to a second respective digital beamformer of theplurality of digital beamformers operatively connected to the pluralityof antenna array elements and the system controller, the respectivesecond weighting factor.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein eachpartial beam is formed by a respective digital beamformer of theplurality of digital beamformers.
 3. The computer system of claim 1,wherein each of the first plurality of beams comprises 2 partial beams.4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first priorityinformation is a primary object weight.
 5. The computer system of claim1, wherein the first priority information is a secondary object weight.6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first priorityinformation is a ternary object weight.
 7. The computer system of claim4, wherein the second priority information is a primary object weight.8. The digital software system of claim 4, wherein the second priorityinformation is a secondary object weight.
 9. The computer system ofclaim 4, wherein the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.
 10. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the second priorityinformation is a primary object weight.
 11. The computer system of claim5, wherein the second priority information is a secondary object weight.12. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the second priorityinformation is a ternary object weight.
 13. The computer system of claim6, wherein the second priority information is a primary object weight.14. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the second priorityinformation is a secondary object weight.
 15. The computer system ofclaim 6, wherein the second priority information is a ternary objectweight.